In the age of digitalization, false information has become a real threat to society, influencing public opinion, the reputation of individuals and the functioning of institutions. In Poland, the scale of the problem is particularly serious – according to Eurobarometer research, 45% of EU citizens consider disinformation to be a significant threat to social life. Poland is also one of the main targets of digital manipulation in Europe.
Proposal for legal changes
Robert Szustkowski, an entrepreneur and activist, has proposed extending the “Right to be Forgotten” to digital media. In his opinion, internet platforms that process data should bear greater responsibility for the content they publish. The idea was supported by the European Commission and has been reflected in case law – the Supreme Administrative Court confirmed that GDPR allows for the removal of information from digital publications.
Artificial Intelligence as a Weapon of Disinformation
Modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, are accelerating the production of manipulated content – from deepfakes to fake accounts and bots. Experts warn of a massive flood of false information that can seriously damage the reputation of individuals and organizations. Fact-checking tools and digital education are supposed to be the answer to these challenges.
Systemic solutions in the EU
Specific regulations are being implemented to combat disinformation. The Digital Services Act (DSA) requires platforms to monitor and eliminate illegal content, and organizations such as the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) coordinate fact-checking efforts. In Poland, a Reader’s Rights Ombudsman has been proposed to support those harmed by false content in the media.
Education as the key to solving the problem
In addition to legal regulations, experts emphasize the importance of media education. User awareness and the ability to recognize false information can limit the effects of disinformation. In Europe, steps are already being taken in this direction, and digital education should become a permanent element of school programs.
Growing Threat of Disinformation
In the era of widespread digitalization, false information is becoming one of the main challenges for society. It not only influences public opinions and citizens’ decisions, but also damages the reputation of individuals and institutions. According to Eurobarometer research, 45% of residents of the European Union perceive disinformation as a serious threat to social stability. Poland is one of the countries most affected by this phenomenon – over the last decade, as many as 1,443 organized disinformation campaigns have been recorded here. Disinformation takes various forms – from manipulation of health and migration topics to narratives attacking EU institutions and specific public figures. It often serves political and economic purposes, destabilizing society and influencing voters’ decisions.
Source: https://ceo.com.pl/prawo-do-prawdy-europejska-odpowiedz-na-rosnace-zagrozenie-dezinformacja-38727