4 DISINFORMATION, PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION Accurate, reliable and trustworthy data and information is an essential resource in times of crisis, such as that created by COVID-19. This includes both the dissemination of information about the virus and measures to contain it, and ensuring that any collection of personal data – in particular health data – complies with data protection standards. This section details some of the steps taken by different actors in Member States to counter misinformation about COVID-19, and then outlines the guidance provided by data protection authorities on how to ensure the rights to privacy and data protection are upheld during the pandemic. 4.1 FIGHTING DISINFORMATION Evidence collected by FRA indicates that disinformation – spread either by individuals or, on occasion, by politicians – around the COVID-19 pandemic is widespread in almost all Member States. At a time when the population is asked to strictly obey emergency measures that affect their daily life, disinformation can lead the members of the public to take harmful action. Wrongly announcing that all food stores are closed, that martial law entered into force or that a city will be totally confined, are just few examples that can have detrimental consequences. Disinformation can also undermine people’s trust in institutions, such as government, health agencies and the media. It is clear that disinformation needs to be addressed quickly at the highest level of government, in partnership with private companies and media professionals. 37