EU against Fake News – the Need for Policy Action Countering Online Distinformation
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Apostolovska Stepanoska, Milena
Runcheva-Tasev, Hristina
Abstract
The EU is facing one of the major and evolving challenges of the digital era: the
exposure of citizens to large-scale disinformation or fake news. This phenomenon
has a bigger impact than ever, as everyone can easily post and share news online
and social media contribute towards effortless speeding up the spread of news. This
may negatively influence the democratic processes and societal debates.
Comprehensive policy response ahead of European Parliament elections
is necessary to avoid the risks of integrity of information and to the integrity of
elections. The paper argues that the policy initiatives of the European Commission
have a significant impact, but a coordinated, joint and sustainable action is needed
for a comprehensive response to the evolving online news market.
The paper identifies the various actors involved in the dissemination of
disinformation and it addresses the possible policy actions at the EU level. It
refers to the legal basis for possible policy measures to counter disinformation
operations, where the right to freedom of expression must be balanced with the
right to be properly informed. The authors recommend actions based on: i) media
policy based on media pluralism and diversity of sources; ii) media education
and media literacy on citizens’ empowerment; and iii) promotion of responsible
informing behavior.
exposure of citizens to large-scale disinformation or fake news. This phenomenon
has a bigger impact than ever, as everyone can easily post and share news online
and social media contribute towards effortless speeding up the spread of news. This
may negatively influence the democratic processes and societal debates.
Comprehensive policy response ahead of European Parliament elections
is necessary to avoid the risks of integrity of information and to the integrity of
elections. The paper argues that the policy initiatives of the European Commission
have a significant impact, but a coordinated, joint and sustainable action is needed
for a comprehensive response to the evolving online news market.
The paper identifies the various actors involved in the dissemination of
disinformation and it addresses the possible policy actions at the EU level. It
refers to the legal basis for possible policy measures to counter disinformation
operations, where the right to freedom of expression must be balanced with the
right to be properly informed. The authors recommend actions based on: i) media
policy based on media pluralism and diversity of sources; ii) media education
and media literacy on citizens’ empowerment; and iii) promotion of responsible
informing behavior.
Subjects
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EU against Fake News – the Need for Policy Action Countering Online Distinformation,
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