The Latino community in the United States has become a frequent target of disinformation campaigns on the Internet.
With millions of Hispanics connected to Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and TikTok, experts warn that the flow of fake news and manipulated messages could impact the way Latinos exercise their right to vote in the 2026 elections.
How Misinformation Affects Hispanics
Recent studies indicate that Hispanics are particularly vulnerable to misinformation due to several factors.
The consumption of news in two languages, the high dependence on digital platforms for information and the existence of chains of messages circulating without verification in WhatsApp family groups or Facebook pages.
Some of the most common content includes rumors about changes in immigration laws, misinformation about voting requirements, or messages that seek to generate fear around issues such as security at the polls.
These messages, by spreading quickly in closed communities and in Spanish, can have an immediate effect on voter confidence.
Platforms under pressure
Buzzy
Large technology companies have been criticized for not reacting quickly enough to stop the spread of fake news targeting the Latino electorate.
Although misleading content verification and removal programs have been implemented, many activists claim that these measures are still insufficient.
In 2024, for example, community organizations documented coordinated campaigns that discouraged Latinos from voting, falsely claiming that doing so would put undocumented family members at risk.
These types of messages, although false, manage to intimidate and confuse sectors of the community.
The role of community organizations
Faced with this panorama, different Hispanic groups have intensified their efforts to combat misinformation.
From digital education workshops to awareness campaigns in Spanish, they seek to empower voters to identify fake news and confirm information from official sources.
Organizations such as Voto Latino, NALEO Educational Fund and local activist networks have launched initiatives to reinforce confidence in the electoral process and offer online resources that explain step-by-step how to register, where to vote and what documents are needed.
Looking ahead to the upcoming elections, experts say the challenge will not only be to ensure that Latinos register and go to the polls, but to ensure that they make informed decisions based on real data.
With the Latino vote growing in key states such as Arizona, Nevada, Texas and Florida, the battle against misinformation will be central to protecting democratic integrity.
Recent studies indicate that Hispanics are particularly vulnerable to misinformation
QuéOnnda.com
