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Esther Chan

Profile

Esther Chan is First Draft's Bureau Editor in Australia. Esther started her career in television as an investigative reporter before moving onto digital journalism at Storyful, specialised in online newsgathering and the verification of eyewitness content. She recently helped launch the Australian branch of Agence France-Presse (AFP)'s Fact Check operation in 2019, and has since been covering social media anomalies and mis/disinformation primarily in Australia, Hong Kong, China, as well as the rest of the APAC region.

Twitter

@estherswchan

Author's News

Australian election misinformation playbook

Ahead of Australia's 2022 poll, this 'election playbook' explores disinformation tactics, vulnerabilities, and how perceptions of misinformation can blur with political bias.

Disinformation, stigma and Chinese diaspora: policy guidance for Australia

An examination of the social media landscape of the Chinese diaspora in Australia — the largest in Oceania — provides a useful case study for policymakers ahead of the next federal election

VAERS: How to stop misinformation related to the US vaccine database

Whether it’s genuine confusion or malicious intent, the CDC and FDA’s Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System is being used to sow vaccine fears around the world.

Hesitancy behind Hong Kong’s low vaccination uptake is driven by political tensions

Skepticism about the Covid-19 vaccines in Hong Kong is as much a political and emotional issue as it is scientific.

Vaccine misinformation in Papua New Guinea draws on distrust of authorities

Misinformation may undermine the uptake of Covid-19 vaccines in Papua New Guinea, already struggling with insufficient medical staff and supplies.

Inside the origins of a conspiracy theory about Myanmar and China

How Chinese-language characters contributed to conspiracy theories about the coup in Myanmar.

How journalists can keep safe and connected in a crisis

Ten tips for physical and digital safety when reporting.

It’s crucial to understand how misinformation flows through diaspora communities

The way misinformation travels through diaspora communities — including the Chinese diaspora — deserves more of our attention.

Online influencers have become powerful vectors in promoting false information and conspiracy theories

The role of celebrities and online influencers requires more scrutiny, especially from social platforms and media.