The danger of politicising and manipulating poverty and unemployment data

In his book 'Silicon Snake Oil: Second Thoughts on the Information Highway', Clifford Stoll (1995) argues that data is not just the new oil but the new soil – meaning that when properly cultivated, it can yield valuable knowledge, growth and innovation. His words remain relevant today, reminding us that commitment to accurate data is essential. However, when poverty and unemployment statistics are manipulated for political gain, it damages the credibility of institutions and fuels public distrust – both locally and internationally.

Politicisation of data

Politicising data happens when political interests influence how information is collected, analysed or presented. This often results in misleading statistics that distort the true economic and social conditions.

For example, a government may downplay poverty levels to appear successful or underreport unemployment rates to create an illusion of economic stability. Such manipulation prevents the public from understanding the real challenges facing society.

The erosion of trust

When statistical data is manipulated, trust in government and research institutions is severely damaged. Policymakers, analysts and researchers rely on accurate information to make informed decisions. If the data is distorted, they cannot properly address real problems, leading to ineffective policies. This loss of trust can make people skeptical of government reports, causing widespread doubt about official statistics.

Impact on international relations

The international community closely monitors a country's unemployment and poverty rates to assess its economic health. If a government is caught manipulating data, it risks losing credibility on the global stage. Foreign investors, international organisations and other governments may become hesitant to engage with a country seen as dishonest. This can lead to weakened diplomatic ties and reduced foreign investment, ultimately harming the economy.

Consequences for society

In their book 'How Misused Statistics Can Harm Democracy', Raphael Ntentas and Nikolaos Tsilingiris (2020) argue that manipulating data leads to misguided policies that fail to address real problems. When unemployment and poverty statistics are distorted, governments may implement ineffective programmes that do not tackle the root causes of these issues. Instead of adopting meaningful solutions, they may focus on short-term fixes that have little impact on those in need.

Moreover, hiding the true extent of poverty and unemployment worsens social inequality. If the struggles of marginalised communities are ignored, they are denied the resources and support they desperately need (Houngbo, 2025). The growing gap between rich and poor can lead to increased frustration, social unrest, and instability. As the Dalai Lama teaches, "Wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it, and right is right even if no one is doing it."

The role of transparency and accountability

Carstens (2005) argues that transparency and accountability are essential for a well-functioning economy and a stable society. To prevent the manipulation of data, governments must ensure that political influence does not interfere with data collection and reporting processes. Moeller (2015) suggests establishing independent organizations to audit and verify statistical data. I propose that data should be treated as sacred and highly sensitive, especially when it concerns people’s lives. A law should be enacted to create two independent bodies responsible for ensuring data accuracy, with one of them led by representatives from different political parties. Additionally, fostering a culture of honesty and transparency in public discussions will help rebuild trust and ensure that data is used to drive meaningful change.

As Stoll warns, manipulating data is like cheating on a test – it may provide short-term advantages but ultimately damages trust and integrity. When data is twisted to serve political interests, it weakens institutions and erodes public confidence. To build a fair and just society, we must safeguard the integrity of information, prioritiSe transparency, and work toward real solutions for unemployment and poverty. The numbers on a report matter, but so do the real people affected by them. Only by protecting the truth can we create lasting change.