Disinformation: Ten Steps to Safeguard Yourself and Others, EU Parliament Reports

In an era where digital information spreads at unprecedented speeds, distinguishing between fact and fiction has become increasingly challenging. Experts are raising alarms about the proliferation of disinformation—deliberately false or misleading content designed to deceive—which poses growing threats to democratic processes, public health initiatives, and social cohesion worldwide.

The European Parliament has highlighted this concern by releasing comprehensive guidance on how citizens can identify and combat disinformation. This initiative comes amid mounting evidence that coordinated disinformation campaigns have targeted democratic elections, public health responses, and international relations across the European Union and beyond.

“Disinformation erodes trust in our institutions and media, polarizes public debates, and interferes with democratic processes,” said Věra Jourová, Vice President for Values and Transparency at the European Commission during a recent parliamentary session. “When citizens cannot distinguish reliable information from falsehoods, they cannot make informed decisions.”

The spread of false information has accelerated dramatically in recent years, powered by social media algorithms that often prioritize engaging content regardless of its accuracy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, health authorities across Europe battled what the World Health Organization termed an “infodemic”—a tsunami of both accurate and inaccurate information that made it difficult for people to find trustworthy sources when needed most.

Security experts note that disinformation campaigns often originate from both domestic and foreign actors seeking to manipulate public opinion or destabilize societies. The European External Action Service has documented thousands of cases of state-sponsored disinformation campaigns targeting EU countries since 2015, many aimed at undermining social unity and trust in democratic institutions.

Media literacy specialists emphasize that protection against disinformation requires a multi-faceted approach. “Critical thinking skills are the first line of defense,” explains Dr. Maria Kostelidou, director of the European Media Literacy Institute. “Citizens need to develop the habit of questioning information sources and cross-checking claims, especially before sharing content online.”

The Parliament’s guidance recommends ten practical steps citizens can take to protect themselves and others from disinformation:

First, verify the source of information by checking the website, author credentials, and publication date. Legitimate news sources typically have clear information about their ownership, editorial policies, and contact details.

Second, read beyond headlines, which are often designed to provoke emotional reactions rather than convey accurate information. A shocking headline might misrepresent the actual content of the article.

Third, check the author’s credentials and determine whether they have expertise in the subject matter or a history of reliable reporting.

Fourth, examine supporting sources to determine whether claims are backed by credible evidence. Reputable reporting cites specific studies, official documents, or verified experts.

Fifth, check the date of publication, as outdated articles shared out of context can mislead readers about current situations.

Sixth, consider whether the content might be satire or parody rather than factual reporting. Some websites specialize in humorous fictional stories that might be misinterpreted as news.

Seventh, examine personal biases that might affect how you interpret information. Everyone has preconceptions that can influence their assessment of news content.

Eighth, consult fact-checking websites like Faktenfinder, Demagog, or EU-wide initiatives such as the European Digital Media Observatory, which specialize in verifying viral claims.

Ninth, evaluate image and video content carefully, as modern technology enables sophisticated manipulation of visual media. Reverse image searches can help identify modified or repurposed visuals.

Finally, report disinformation when encountered on social platforms. Most major social media companies have mechanisms for flagging false content.

The European Parliament has also strengthened its institutional approach to countering disinformation through the Digital Services Act, which requires online platforms to address systemic risks, including the spread of disinformation, and implement transparent content moderation practices.

Media literacy experts emphasize that combating disinformation is a shared responsibility requiring cooperation between governments, technology companies, educational institutions, and citizens. “The fight against disinformation cannot be won by regulation alone,” notes European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. “It requires an informed and vigilant citizenry committed to protecting the information ecosystem.”