How Can Multi‐Criteria Portfolio Decision Analysis Help Mitigate Mis/Disinformation?

In this paper, we examine and illustrate the relevance of multi-criteria portfolio decision analysis as an approach to addressing mis/disinformation risks. After summarizing representative applications of these methods, we draw on the framework for societal resilience developed in the Finnish COVID-19 Science to Panel to elaborate on the range of capabilities that can be leveraged to mitigate mis/disinformation, for example, by maintaining alertness, implementing risk management actions, and interacting with stakeholders to promote awareness. We then present a numerical case study that illustrates how multi-criteria portfolio decision analysis can be combined with probabilistic approaches for modeling voting behavior and the spread of mis/disinformation to identify cost-efficient strategies consisting of combinations of risk management actions. We conclude by discussing some of the challenges posed by mis/disinformation.