Word spreads fast through the “coconut wireless”, the informal gossip network across Pacific Islanders’ social media. But when such rapid proliferation is spreading false or misleading news, it becomes a problem that requires resourcing and commitment to solve. The Pacific is currently a global hotspot for misinformation.
The ability of Pacific island countries and territories to respond to ‘infodemic’ risks online has been exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Misinformation about the pandemic has persisted online, despite efforts by Pacific governments, civil societies, citizens, media organisations, and institutions to counter it.
The Pacific presently has the smallest percentage of their population using the internet and social media compared with the rest of the world. Internet provision is made more difficult and costly in the Pacific due to the region's unique geographical features. The lack of high-capacity cables and other technical infrastructure has also held back Pacific connectivity.
