Selective information

Partial censorship

Nature

When the public does not receive all the information it needs to make informed decisions, some form of news blackout or censorship has taken place; censorship being defined as the selective suppression of information, whether purposeful or not, by any method – including bias, omission, or under-reporting – which prevents the public from fully knowing what is happening in its society. Much citizen alienation from public life and citizen apathy may be due to this selective information and to a lack of reliable and usable information on critical issues.

Background

The global significance of selective information emerged prominently during the 20th century, as mass media and governmental communication strategies increasingly shaped public perception by curating facts. Landmark events, such as wartime propaganda and the manipulation of news during political crises, highlighted the profound societal impact of information control. With the advent of digital technologies, concerns intensified as selective dissemination became more sophisticated, prompting international debate on transparency, misinformation, and the ethical responsibilities of information gatekeepers.

Incidence

Selective information is a pervasive issue affecting global communication, media, governance, and public discourse. Its incidence is evident in the manipulation or omission of facts by governments, corporations, and media outlets, influencing public opinion and policy decisions on a large scale. The problem is exacerbated by digital platforms, where algorithms and echo chambers further restrict the diversity of accessible information, impacting millions worldwide.
In 2022, the Russian government restricted access to independent news and social media platforms during the invasion of Ukraine, selectively disseminating information to control public perception. This led to widespread misinformation and limited citizens’ ability to access unbiased news.

Claim

Selective information is a deeply troubling problem that undermines truth and trust in our society. When facts are cherry-picked or withheld, people are manipulated and critical decisions are made on incomplete knowledge. This distorts reality, fuels division, and erodes democracy. We cannot allow selective information to shape our world—transparency and full disclosure are essential for informed choices and a just, functioning society. This issue demands urgent attention and action.

Counter-claim

Since "all" of the information needed to make informed decisions is far more than even experts can comprehend and use, some mechanism for selection, sorting and digestion of information is required. To suggest that this process is a form of censorship renders the term meaningless.