In today’s world, information has real power. It can build societies, but also divide them. The growing wave of manipulated news or distorted facts is a serious challenge. Eurobarometer data shows that almost half of EU citizens see the negative impact of disinformation on their lives. In turn, for one third, contact with false content is an everyday occurrence.
Poland on the digital front
Poland has found itself at the centre of the European fight against disinformation. Over the course of a decade, 1,443 disinformation campaigns targeting the country have been detected. Their topics included health, migration, EU policy, as well as personal attacks on famous people and companies. Experts warn that these activities serve to destabilise society, fuel divisions and influence the moods of citizens. Cyberattacks no longer have only a financial dimension – they are a modern weapon of political influence.
Robert Szustkowski: the law that protects the citizen
In response to the threats, Polish entrepreneur and activist Robert Szustkowski has initiated a project to extend the Right to Be Forgotten to digital media, which – as data controllers – should be held accountable for the content they publish. Szustkowski appeals for investment in reliable journalism and fact-checking tools, emphasizing that only credible sources of information can counteract the flood of fake news and the uncontrolled influence of social media platforms.
Systemic actions at the EU level
Szustkowski’s postulates have been recognised by the European Commission and are part of broader legislative initiatives, such as:
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Digital Services Act (DSA) – a state-of-the-art law requiring platforms to eliminate illegal content and curb disinformation;
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EDMO (European Digital Media Observatory) – a network coordinating fact-checking and educational activities in EU countries;
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Register of violations of personal rights and appointment of a Reader’s Rights Ombudsman who would support persons harmed by false publications.
In addition, the Supreme Administrative Court ruled that under the GDPR it is possible to demand the deletion of data from digital publications – even if their initial publication was lawful.
Artificial Intelligence – Ally or Threat?
The development of artificial intelligence is bringing completely new threats to the world of information. Deepfakes, bots, automatically generated texts and images enable the rapid creation of convincing, yet completely false content. As cybersecurity expert Wojciech Głażewski warns, AI has become a “disinformation accelerator,” accelerating the production of manipulated materials capable of distorting reality and destroying reputations.
Source: https://businessjournal.pl/prawda-kontra-chaos-informacyjny-europa-stawia-tame-dezinformacji/