Only a Comprehensive Approach Can Help Combat Disinformation

Fighting disinformation through legal sanctions alone presents significant challenges, according to recent research examining the effectiveness of regulatory measures against harmful information and manipulation. Experts now emphasize that a multifaceted strategy is essential for meaningful progress in this increasingly complex information landscape.

The study, which gathered insights from stakeholders across media, legal, and policy sectors, found that while punitive approaches can be part of the solution, they must be balanced with broader initiatives that include civil society participation and harmonization with European regulatory frameworks.

“Sanctions are just one piece of a much larger puzzle,” explains Dr. Aleksandra Temenugova, a media researcher involved in the study. “Without addressing the underlying causes and creating resilient information ecosystems, we’re simply treating symptoms rather than the disease.”

Foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), a particularly concerning subset of disinformation tactics, represents a growing threat to democratic institutions. These coordinated campaigns often originate beyond national borders, making them especially difficult to combat through traditional legal channels.

The research highlights how effective countermeasures require collaboration between government agencies, media organizations, tech platforms, and civil society groups. This “whole-of-society” approach enables more comprehensive detection, analysis, and response to disinformation campaigns.

European regulatory frameworks, including the Digital Services Act and the EU Code of Practice on Disinformation, provide important guidelines for member states and candidate countries. However, implementation at the national level remains challenging, particularly in regions where media literacy is lower and institutional capacity is limited.

“What works in one context may not translate directly to another,” notes legal expert Martin Petrovski. “Countries need to adapt European models to their specific media environments while maintaining alignment with EU standards.”

Media literacy emerges as a critical component in the fight against disinformation. Educational initiatives that help citizens critically evaluate information sources, understand manipulation techniques, and recognize propaganda are essential complements to regulatory approaches.

The research also addresses concerns about potential overreach in regulation. Overly restrictive measures risk infringing on freedom of expression and press freedom—fundamental rights that underpin democratic societies. Finding the balance between protecting citizens from harmful content while preserving these freedoms remains a delicate challenge for policymakers.

Technology companies bear significant responsibility in this ecosystem. Social media platforms, search engines, and content aggregators must improve their content moderation practices, increase transparency about algorithmic systems, and cooperate with independent fact-checkers to limit the spread of false information.

“Tech companies can’t simply wash their hands of responsibility,” says digital policy analyst Elena Mihajlovska. “Their algorithms and business models often amplify divisive content, creating financial incentives that reward misinformation.”

Several countries have pioneered different approaches to combating disinformation. The Finnish model emphasizes education and critical thinking from early schooling, while Taiwan has developed rapid response systems that quickly counter false narratives with factual information. These diverse strategies offer valuable lessons for crafting effective policies.

The research concludes that no single intervention will solve the disinformation challenge. Rather, success depends on coordinated efforts across multiple fronts: regulation that respects fundamental rights, platform accountability, media literacy initiatives, support for quality journalism, and international cooperation.

As disinformation techniques continue to evolve, so too must countermeasures. This requires ongoing research, regular evaluation of effectiveness, and the flexibility to adapt strategies as the information landscape changes.

“This isn’t a problem that will be solved once and for all,” concludes the research report. “It requires sustained commitment and continuous adaptation from all stakeholders in the information ecosystem.”