Why Even Animal Crossing Isn’t Immune To Political Disinformation

Like Facebook and Twitter, companies that host online worlds will have to deal with conspiracy theories and incorrect facts sooner or later.

By Shelly BrisbinSeptember 10, 2020 1:02 pm, ,

Social platforms like Facebook and Twitter have been criticized for allowing political disinformation to proliferate, especially since the 2016 election. Now, as online games like Animal Crossing and Fortnite become venues for both play and political expression, the companies that host these online worlds face questions about how they will handle misleading statements or content produced by players.

Tech expert Omar Galaga told Texas Standard that games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Fortnite, are already playing host to political content, from yard signs for candidates, to political gatherings and messages. 

“We don’t know yet whether there are people out there creating bots or creating fake accounts for the express purpose of spreading misinformation, or to pose as someone and try to make friends in these games,” Gallaga said. 

What you’ll hear in this segment:

– What kinds of misinformation have appeared in online games

– What kinds of modifications to games, as well as games produced to spread disinformation, have become available

– How other countries address politics in online games

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