Misinformation

Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information that spreads through digital channels, regardless of whether the spread is intentional (disinformation) or unintentional. On social media platforms, health misinformation is a significant concern for disabled communities, as false claims about treatments, conditions, assistive technologies, and disability accommodations can cause direct harm. Content moderation research examines how platforms detect, label, and remove misinformation through automated detection, human review, and user flagging. For digital accessibility, misinformation about disability — including false claims denying the existence of certain conditions, promoting harmful "cure" narratives, or misrepresenting the needs of disabled people — constitutes a specific category of content-based harm that platforms' flagging and moderation systems must be designed to address effectively while avoiding the over-removal of legitimate disability discussion.