Securing Information Integrity and Public Trust in the Age of Misinformation

In an article marking International Access to Information Day on 28 September 2026, Tydd emphasised the importance of information integrity in combating misinformation and disinformation. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) reported a 42% increase in requests for reviews of government information access decisions in 2025–26, reflecting growing public engagement with information access rights.

Research from the Association of Information Access Commissioners (AIAC) also revealed strong community expectations for transparency, with 86% of respondents supporting public reporting on technology used in government decision-making and 90% agreeing that governments should report on the information they maintain.

The Commissioner highlighted the potential for AI and digital technologies to improve proactive information disclosure, strengthen accountability and make trustworthy government information more accessible. However, these technologies also introduce risks associated with misinformation, automated decision-making and information integrity.

For records and information management (R&IM) professionals, the article reinforces the importance of effective information governance, reliable records, digital preservation and transparent information practices. Ensuring government information remains accurate, accessible and trustworthy is essential to supporting informed decision-making, public confidence and democratic accountability.

Read more:

The Mandarin: OAIC Elizabeth Tydd on a Trajectory That's Just Increasing

OAIC: Automated Decision-Making and Public Reporting Under the FOI Act

Source: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, published 9 October 2026. Originally appeared in The Mandarin, 28 September 2026.