A Homeland Security Department advisory group wants to help emergency responders control the social media conversation

State and federal emergency responders should have plans ready to go to counter rumors, misinformation and fake news in the wake of disasters, according to a new white paper from a Homeland Security Department advisory group. Those plans should include actively correcting misinformation on Facebook and Twitter with hashtags such as #rumor and #mythbuster, according to the draft report, which the Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Committee approved for final publication Feb 22. Emergency responders should also engage with popular social media “influencers” in the area and with local radio and broadcast media who can amplify facts and correct fake information, the report states. Emergency response agencies should also train local volunteers to spot rumors and fake information online and, when appropriate, to respond to it, the white paper states.