Could Trade Agreements Help Address the Wicked Problem of Cross-Border Disinformation?

CIGI Papers No. 255

July 6, 2021

Whether produced domestically or internationally, disinformation is a “wicked” problem that has global impacts. Although trade agreements contain measures that address cross-border disinformation, domestically created disinformation remains out of their reach. This paper looks at how policy makers can use trade agreements to mitigate disinformation and spam while implementing financial and trade sanctions against entities and countries that engage in disseminating cross-border disinformation. Developed and developing countries will need to work together to solve this global problem.

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CIGI Papers present in-depth analysis and discussion on governance-related subjects. They include policy papers that present CIGI experts' positions or contributions to policy debates, and background papers that contain research findings, insights and data that contribute to the development of policy positions.

About the Author

Susan Ariel Aaronson is a CIGI senior fellow. She is an expert in international trade, digital trade, artificial intelligence governance and human rights.