The Smith-Mundt Act, originally signed into law in 1948, has played a critical role in the management of public diplomacy, but we believe there is an alarming rise in the spread of misinformation through its mechanisms. The act which was designed to convey information, about the U.S., its people, and its policies, to international audiences has been leveraged by certain elements for the spread of misinformation.

Political forces are warping these objectives, creating a spread of misinformation that undermines the democratic values propounded by the act. According to a recent survey conducted by MIT, false stories spread six times faster than true ones on social platforms, creating a climate of fear and mistrust (MIT, 2018).

We, therefore, call upon our Michigan Representatives to take strong action against the misuse of this act. To reinforce transparency, uphold adherence to fact-based narratives, and safeguard the democratic fabric of our nation, we believe it's crucial to challenge this misinformation phenomenon.

This is an urgent appeal to make our voices heard and embark on an endeavor to uphold the truth. Therefore, we implore you to sign this petition and support our fight against misinformation.