Misinformation, Free Speech and Accountability in Health Communications

Some have argued that nothing less than truth and freedom is on the ballot in the 2024 election. To be sure, fact checking politicians has become a commonplace element of vetting candidates for public service. This editorial reviews trends in the use of media to influence opinions and practices relating to health promotion and disease prevention. Has society been striking the right balance between protecting free speech while also holding individuals and organizations accountable when disinformation they promulgate causes harm? If we are to protect freedom of speech, one of America’s hallmarks to democratic governance, health professionals need to develop more innovative and effective methods for curbing misinformation and for countering the ills created by super spreaders of misinformation.