Disinformation Costs More and More. Companies Lose Clients and Reputation

Disinformation poses a growing and significant threat to Polish businesses, inflicting substantial financial losses and damaging reputations. A recent report indicates that a staggering two out of five companies in Poland have fallen victim to disinformation campaigns, which manifest as false or manipulated information designed to erode customer trust and disrupt business operations.

The impact of these attacks is multifaceted, affecting not only a company's public image but also its bottom line. Clients and business partners are increasingly wary, leading to a decline in revenue and strained relationships. This erosion of trust is a primary concern for Polish enterprises, which are finding it increasingly difficult to defend against sophisticated disinformation tactics.

According to a study conducted by IBRiS for the European Economic Congress, a vast majority of Polish business leaders—86%—view disinformation as a genuine threat. A significant portion, 56%, considers it a "decidedly real" danger. This widespread perception underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for robust countermeasures. Only a small fraction of respondents, 5%, do not see it as a significant threat, and 2% do not perceive it at all, highlighting a general consensus on the severity of the problem.

Despite the clear and present danger, Polish businesses appear to be struggling to keep pace with the evolving nature of disinformation. The report suggests that current defense mechanisms are often inadequate, leaving companies vulnerable. This gap in preparedness is a critical issue that needs to be addressed through enhanced strategies, technological solutions, and potentially government support to safeguard the integrity of the Polish business environment.