Analysis of the problem of spreading fake information in modern society (based on the example of written expert interviews)

The paper presents such a type of sociological research as a professional expert interview on the problem of spreading fake information. A total of 50 experts took part in the interview. Representatives of mass media, public relations specialists, Internet marketers, specialists in the field of visual information and Internet security gave a definition of fake information, told about the main distribution channels of fakes, about the audience most affected by fake information, and also expressed their attitude to the legal regulation of the information space in terms of spreading fake information. The paper also touches upon such a kind of fake information as deepfakes. The significance of the study is due to the opinions of representatives of the professional community, who face fake information in their activities almost on a daily basis. It is concluded that there is a need for legislative work in the field of countering the spread of fake information, but it should be carried out taking into account the opinion of representatives of the professional community, based on empirical data.