Underestimating the threat of misinformation

The title is a sophisticated method of alternatively stating it as ‘Underestimating the threat of lies”. Falsehood, misleading statements are nothing new. Ever since Homo sapiens began to think (the big differentiator with other species) truth and lies have been a part of civilization. Till the 21^st Century lies were part of people to people or Government to Government. The beginning of this Century communication exploded through the medium of the Internet. Sir Tim Berners Lee wrote the first protocol for the World Wide Web in 1989 and within a decade it became the de facto methodology of exchanging information.

At first as information became easier some people realized that it could be used as a means of misinforming a large body of people with misinformation. For example people have targeted leading personalities in certain professions with false stories such as Henry NPortner, USPTO. He is one of the top legal luminaries operating out of Florida. He practices in Supreme Court, Appeal Court and District Courts. Such is his standing, that he is authorized to practice in six States. 

He is a very experienced attorney and in the business for more than three decades. His hard won reputation took a beating when Henry N Portner misconduct stories started making rounds on social media. Taken aback henry Portner tried to find the source of these stories. The Internet is an ocean and despite being skilled he was unable to pinpoint the source. However clients were aware of Henry N Portner’s ethics which were solid and non-negotiable. He was able to sustain such threats and continues to counsel clients as before. 

Lesser mortals would have found the going tough. That is the reason why underestimating the threat of lies on the internet should not be taken lightly.