Prince Harry joins US commission researching fake news

Washington DC – Prince Harry has joined a panel which aims to analyze how fake news spreads in communities, not long after he announced he would team up with a Silicon Valley mental health startup.

Prince Harry (36) will serve as a commissioner on the Aspen Institute's Commission on Information Disorder.
Prince Harry (36) will serve as a commissioner on the Aspen Institute's Commission on Information Disorder.  © IMAGO / i Images

The prince will serve as a commissioner on the Aspen Institute's Commission on Information Disorder, the non-profit announced on Wednesday.

The group is chaired by journalist Katie Couric, cybersecurity expert Chris Krebs, and civil rights activist Rashad Robinson.

From April, it is to meet several times over six months and speak with experts to find out how misinformation and disinformation spreads in the United States.

Prince William returns to public duties amid Kate Middleton's cancer recovery
Royals Prince William returns to public duties amid Kate Middleton's cancer recovery

A report will then be compiled of their findings, including solutions and recommendations, to be published in autumn.

"The experience of today's digital world has us inundated with an avalanche of misinformation, affecting our ability as individuals as well as societies to think clearly and truly understand the world we live in," Prince Harry said in a statement.

He added it is a "humanitarian issue" which "demands a multi-stakeholder response" from advocacy voices, members of the media, academic researchers, government and civil society leaders.

"I'm eager to join this new Aspen commission and look forward to working in a solution-oriented approach to the information disorder crisis."

Prince Harry has been vocal in the past about the digital world being "unwell" and also faced issues with the media.

In an interview with Oprah Winfrey earlier in March, the prince and his wife Meghan said their decision to step down as senior royals last February was fueled by negative and racist press coverage.

Cover photo: IMAGO / i Images

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