Berlin, 24 January 2024 The DRPR reprimands the activist group “The Yes Men” for fundamental breaches of basic ethical standards of communication. The activist group attempts to draw media attention to social grievances through fake reports. In doing so, it repeatedly violates the requirement of sender transparency and truthfulness.
On 16 January 2023, for example, a fake press release was sent to journalists and bloggers via the domain addidas-group.eu and linked to a fake Adidas website. In the press release, Adidas supposedly announced that it would appoint a union leader from Cambodia as co-CEO. In addition, the company’s new direction was to be emphasised by the new “Reality Wear” range, which was presented in the evening at a fashion show during Berlin Fashion Week. Over the course of the day, this “hoax” (deception) by the activist group was clarified by several media outlets; an Adidas spokesperson denied the announcement. The following day, “The Yes Men” published a press release clearing up the hoax.
Just a few months later, toy manufacturer Mattel was the victim of another fake news attack by activists. Again via a press release, Mattel supposedly announced that it would be plastic-free by 2030 and would also be releasing a new “EcoWarrior Barbie”. A fake quote from Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz was used. Some international media took over the news; by the afternoon, the hoax had been cleared up and the news portals removed the news.
In both cases, the DRPR is of the opinion that the activist group “The Yes Men” deliberately deceived and misled the public. Regardless of the content, the deliberate dissemination of fake news contributes to diminishing the credibility of reporting and further unsettling the public.
You can download the press release here.
You can find the detailed reasons for the Council’s decision here.
