Lies have legs. That's why the vast majority of us are concerned about the accuracy of online news. Many of us have been fooled by some form of fake content. But there's a way to inoculate the public against fake news. Prompting people to consider accuracy dramatically improves our ability to spot the lies and stops us from sharing false information.
Here's one shot at inoculation. In the past year, attack ads aimed at Charity Intelligence have been intense, personal and dirty. These come from a mob of websites designed to prop up and defend WE Charity.
We are reviewing our legal options, but we also wanted to let the public know so you can spot the lies yourself. We don't know the motive behind this campaign, but we do know WE Charity is still registered and active despite announcing its closure in 2020. Its fiscal year 2022 shows spending of $1.2 million on consulting services including digital ads, PR services, and communication consultants, plus another $1.4 million on legal fees.
Times of trial are an opportunity to demonstrate character. Charity Intelligence remains fiercely independent and transparent. We earn trust through outstanding research and analysis based on neutrality, fairness, and objectivity. Our team is not distracted by this campaign. And we will not waste your donations on counter ads. We remain focused on updating 630 Canadian charity reports over the summer so you have the most recent and relevant information for your giving in 2024.
If lies have legs, let's make sure the truth travels further and faster. You can help by reporting false advertising claims to Google and sharing this content with your own networks.
Thanks for supporting Charity Intelligence and helping donors be informed to give intelligently.