Malinformation

Malinformation refers to information, whether true or false, that is deliberately shared to cause harm or incite disruption. Unlike disinformation (false information) and misinformation (unintentional spread of false information), malinformation leverages factual material, often twisted or presented in a deceptive context, to undermine individuals, institutions, or processes. It often exploits existing societal divisions and can be used for political manipulation, character assassination, or the erosion of trust in credible sources. The core intent is malicious, aiming to provoke negative consequences.

Malinformation meaning with examples

• A political campaign leaked a legitimate, albeit embarrassing, email chain from their opponent. The release was timed to coincide with a critical vote, knowing the details, even if true, would damage the candidate's reputation and sway undecided voters. This use of real information for strategic harm is an example of malinformation.
• An activist group shared legitimate health data demonstrating a slight increase in a specific adverse reaction for a commonly used medication. They highlighted the data aggressively, exaggerating its impact to spark panic and undermine public confidence in the drug, even though the reaction was rare. This malinformation leveraged truth for manipulation.
• During a corporate restructuring, a disgruntled employee leaked internal memos detailing the company's financial woes and strategic plans to its competitors. The leaked documents were authentic but weaponized to damage the company's market share and lead to job losses. This is a use of malinformation.
• Social media accounts shared authentic quotes and videos, taken out of context from a celebrity, making them appear to endorse controversial views, damaging their reputation. The snippets, when viewed without the original context, created a false, harmful narrative designed to ostracize the celebrity. This is an example of malinformation.
• A news outlet published a detailed exposé on a politician's past indiscretions. While factual, the timing of the publication, just before a crucial election, and the manner in which the information was presented – with sensationalist language and inflammatory rhetoric – served to intentionally damage the politician's prospects. This act constitutes malinformation.