Medyanın dijitalleşme süreciyle bireysel bir kullanım kültürü haline geldiği günümüzde, Avrupa Birliği dezenformasyona karşı yasal ve teknolojik mücadele alanını genişletiyor.
Disinformation is ‘verifiably false or misleading information created, presented, and disseminated for economic gain or intentionally to deceive the public.’ Misinformation is verifiably false information that is spread without the intention to mislead and is generally shared because the user believes it to be true.
Both disinformation and misinformation pose threats that can cause societies to react differently to events they encounter in their daily lives, disrupt social peace, and trigger turmoil and crises. In particular, the diversity of social media networks, their intensity and speed of use, and the relatively slower rate of verification pose threats that could lead to public manipulation.
The European Union (EU), with its diverse languages, cultures, affiliations, beliefs, and social dynamics, is particularly vulnerable to threats in the fight against disinformation, with its 27 member states and approximately 450 million inhabitants. Having faced significant disinformation campaigns, particularly during the Brexit campaigns, national and European Parliament elections, and the fight against COVID-19, the EU has in recent years begun to establish a combat zone, particularly against threats originating from outside the Union.
The EU Commission has implemented several initiatives to combat disinformation:
Code of Practice for Combating Disinformation: This sets out a set of global self-regulatory standards.
The European Digital Media Observatory: A European hub for fact-checkers, academics, and other relevant stakeholders has been established to support policymakers.
The European Democracy Action Plan: The fight against disinformation will develop guidelines for the obligations and accountability of online platforms.
The Communication on Combating Online Disinformation: “A European Approach” has established a suite of tools to combat the spread of disinformation and ensure the protection of EU values.
The process of combating disinformation is not limited to the legal regulations of the Union or national governments; the “Action Plan Against Disinformation” has also included the private sector and citizens operating on social media. This step, rather than being a restrictive approach, aims to raise awareness, ensure that data-providing systems respond promptly to disinformation, and strengthen societal resilience.
The disinformation problem, which is being addressed while upholding Europe’s “values” and “freedoms,” requires strong commitments and swift action at the EU, national, and Union levels to protect the democratic process and citizens’ trust in public institutions. While swift action will address short-term needs, improving media literacy and supporting fact-checking organizations, journalists, researchers, and civil society organizations are key elements of long-term goals.
Useful Resources
journoeurope.com 