Definitions

There are no universally agreed-upon definitions of misinformation and
disinformation, but this is how the terms are used on this Web site:

Disinformation refers to false or misleading information that is
deliberately spread by a government, organized political group, an
individual or other entity. The issue of intent is key; if the intent is
to spread false or misleading information, it is disinformation

Misinformation refers to false or misleading information that is spread
unintentionally. If one unwittingly spreads false or misleading
information, that is misinformation. Of course, many times it is
impossible to ascertain intentions, so it may not be clear whether false
information represents disinformation or misinformation.

Misinformation can be further subdivided into:

Media Mistakes which happen frequently given the pressure of deadlines
and imperfect knowledge

Urban Legends -- Untrue stories that are widely believed because they
speak to a widespread fear, hope, or other emotion

Conspiracy Theories -- Belief that powerful, evil hidden forces are
secretly manipulating the course of world events and history.


http://usinfo.state.gov/media/Archiv...26-288268.html