Council of Europe Bolsters Fight Against Disinformation

The Council of Europe has assembled leading experts to develop comprehensive strategies for combating propaganda and supporting independent journalism amid growing concerns about media trust and disinformation. The initiative comes at a critical time when the global information landscape faces unprecedented challenges from coordinated disinformation campaigns, particularly in light of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.

During a recent conference titled “Strengthening Reliable Information and Journalism: The Council of Europe’s Actions Against Disinformation,” participants examined the declining trust in traditional media, the proliferation of false information across digital platforms, and the increasing reliance on social media as primary news sources.

The gathering focused on practical solutions to these challenges, including enhancing media literacy programs, promoting ethical journalistic standards, and implementing effective regulatory frameworks for digital content. Particular attention was given to the Council of Europe’s existing tools for safeguarding information integrity, including support for fact-checking initiatives and the emerging regulation of AI-generated content.

“We are already witnessing dangerous trends in countries once considered benchmarks of democracy,” said Olena Churanova, a representative of the Ukrainian fact-checking organization StopFake, who addressed the conference. “That is why it is invaluable that the Council of Europe listens to experts before moving forward with practical measures in the fight against propaganda and disinformation.”

Churanova’s participation, supported by the Council of Europe’s Division for Co-operation on Freedom of Expression and the project “Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Media in Ukraine,” brought valuable frontline perspective to the discussions. She shared Ukraine’s extensive experience in combating Russian propaganda campaigns, emphasizing the crucial importance of robust fact-checking operations and expert involvement in developing public policies for digital content regulation.

The Council of Europe’s commitment to these issues has been formally established in the Reykjavík Declaration – “United Around Our Values,” which acknowledges journalists’ vital role in countering disinformation and maintaining public trust in democratic institutions. The declaration represents a significant step in recognizing the existential threat that coordinated disinformation poses to democratic societies.

The growing influence of social media platforms as news sources presents particular challenges. These platforms often lack the editorial oversight and verification processes of traditional media, creating fertile ground for the rapid spread of misleading information. Conference participants discussed how regulatory approaches must evolve to address these new realities while respecting fundamental rights to freedom of expression.

Artificial intelligence emerged as another critical focus area, with experts noting both its potential benefits for detecting disinformation and the risks posed by increasingly sophisticated AI-generated false content. The technological capacity to create convincing fake videos, images, and text has far outpaced regulatory frameworks, creating urgent challenges for fact-checkers and media organizations.

The concept of sustainable journalism was highlighted as essential to long-term solutions. Participants noted that economic pressures on media organizations have contributed to declining trust, as some outlets prioritize sensationalism and speed over accuracy. Developing sustainable business models that support thorough investigative reporting and fact-based journalism was identified as crucial to rebuilding public confidence.

The conference concluded with a comprehensive set of recommendations for the Council of Europe and its Member States. These focus on strengthening international cooperation, developing evidence-based policies, and implementing innovative approaches to safeguard information integrity in the digital age.

The recommendations acknowledge that effective solutions require engagement from multiple stakeholders, including media organizations, technology companies, government institutions, and civil society. They emphasize the need for cross-border collaboration to address what has become a transnational challenge to democratic information ecosystems.

The Council of Europe’s project “Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Media in Ukraine” continues as part of the organization’s broader Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” 2023-2026, reflecting the ongoing commitment to supporting media freedom in the region.