How Does the EU Fight Disinformation?

Disinformation is not just a fad in recent years. It is a method of governance through manipulation that has been in place for decades. It is false or misleading content that is deliberately spread, which can influence elections, divide society and undermine trust in democracy.

The European Union sees the problem as one of the most serious challenges to stability in Europe, especially in times of crisis.

I believe that the measures that the EU is taking against disinformation are key if we want to protect democracy and be active participants in the process.

Why Disinformation is a Threat

Disinformation can not only influence elections and their results, but also deepen divisions between communities and even destabilize entire governments. In recent years, we have witnessed dozens of examples of disinformation and propaganda that has influenced thousands of people around the world. From the COVID-19 pandemic to the war in Ukraine. Today, we are also witnessing worryingly dangerous waves of misleading information around the conflict between Israel and Hamas, where fake videos, manipulated images and a number of unverified claims spread on social networks within hours and gain popularity. These examples not only show why Europe must and does accept disinformation not only as a media problem, but also as a direct threat to democratic life.

Key EU Strategies and Policies

The EU has developed a set of tools to combat disinformation. One of the first important steps is the Code of Practice against Disinformation, which was introduced in 2018 and will be strengthened in 2022. It brings together the advertising industry, large technology platforms and civil society organisations, who commit to taking concrete actions. Another powerful tool is the Digital Service Act DSA, which is now mandatory for the largest social media platforms. It requires them to assess and mitigate the risks associated with misleading and illegal content by offering easy ways to report it. Separately, the European Democracy Action Plan complements these measures by supporting independent journalism and funding fact-checking networks, and promoting media literacy campaigns in each Member State.

Fact-checking and Media Literacy

The European Union understands that laws alone will not be enough, which is why it is investing in fact-checking initiatives and educational programs. EDMO connects fact-checkers, researchers and journalists to track disinformation across national borders.

Many schools and universities are being encouraged to include media literacy in their curriculum to help young people recognize which sources are unreliable and understand how social media algorithms work. These programs are of utmost importance in the world we live in.

The Role of Young Europeans

While institutions create various policies and laws to combat disinformation, we young people have a particular responsibility and opportunity. We have the right and can participate in various information programs, share verified information and report misleading publications. Seminars, discussions and courses give us the confidence and knowledge to challenge the lies we see online. Personally, in my personal environment, I try to inform the people around me about important political processes and encourage them to think critically. 

Every single action from checking the source to reporting false and misleading content can have a collective effect.