Official statistics as a safeguard against fake news

Official statistics as a safeguard against fake news 3/6/2021 Hans Viggo Sæbø, Statistics Norway, hvs@ssb. no Richard Ragnarsøn, Statistics Norway, rgl@ssb. no Trine Westvold, Statistics Norway, twe@ssb. no 1

Content • Data revolution: Technology, new and open data can provide better decisions - but also fake news • Fake news with examples • Official statistics and revision of the Norwegian Statistics Act • How to meet the challenges 3/6/2021 2

Fake news • Fake news and statistics: • • Lack of sound methodology (e. g. sampling) Selective use of statistics (“cherry picking”) Unclear definitions – Lack of transparency Wrong or biased use of graphics and maps • Fake news and data • Unclear what statistics based on new data represent • Communication bureaus Do Norwegians really eat 211 eggs each annually? • When the fox minds the henhouse 3/6/2021 3

Examples 3/6/2021 4

Faktisk. no 3/6/2021 5

The new Norwegian Statistics Act • Addresses digitalisation, new data and statistics producers and fake news • Official statistics: • For both decisions and public debate – not only for experts • Independent and impartial, compliant with ES Co. P • Multi annual statistical programme • Provides improved access to all types of data, but also more data sharing 3/6/2021 6

Conclusions • Legalisation • Quality • Statistics are fit for use • Improve timeliness • Cooperation • Fact-checkers • Open data initiatives • Owners of new and big data • Branding • Prove and communicate independence, impartiality and quality of official statistics • Embrace the data revolution 3/6/2021 7

The electric light did not come from continuous improvements of candles 3/6/2021 Photo: Colourbox. com 8

Thank you! 3/6/2021 9