Netwatchers Push Back Against Online Disinformation With New Tools and Old Laws

A feature examines how web investigators are trying to fight what it calls a "poison machine" using new technology and long-standing legal tools. The article says researchers and digital watchdogs are looking at ways to counter falsehoods online, and asks whether Israel can be disconnected from the internet, in a conversation with the person responsible for internet oversight, Omer Ben Yaakov.

The piece also cites research suggesting that people cannot be persuaded to change their political views, but notes that there may be another way to influence the online battle over public opinion. It frames the effort as a response to the growing spread of harmful content across the network.

No specific date is given in the excerpt, and the article does not report a final outcome. It presents the issue as an ongoing struggle, with the next step being further work by those tracking and challenging disinformation online.