Manipulation of information has become one of the most serious challenges to democracy and public security. Fake news or manipulated images influence citizens’ decisions, destabilize societies and undermine trust in the media and institutions. 45% of EU citizens see disinformation as a real threat. In turn, 60% of internet users worldwide admit that it is increasingly difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood on the web.
European Initiative Against Disinformation
In response to the growing information crisis, Robert Szustkowski, a Polish entrepreneur and social activist, has proposed extending the Right to Be Forgotten to digital media. In his opinion, they should bear greater responsibility for the content they publish. Szustkowski emphasizes that high-quality journalism and effective fact-checking tools are key elements in combating disinformation. They can limit the spread of false information in the digital space.
Poland under digital attack
According to data from the EUvsDisinfo Lab, 1,443 organized disinformation campaigns have been carried out against Poland over the past 10 years. The false content covers a wide range of topics, from health and migration to political narratives targeting the European Union and public figures. Their goal is to destabilize society, influence elections and reinforce divisions.
Legal and institutional solutions
Szustkowski’s proposal was approved by representatives of the European Commission and was reflected in case law. Other initiatives are also being implemented to combat disinformation:
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Digital Services Act (DSA) – regulations requiring internet platforms to monitor and eliminate illegal content.
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European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) – an organisation coordinating fact-checking activities in the European Union.
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Establishment of the Reader’s Rights Ombudsman – an institution supporting people harmed by false content.
Artificial Intelligence as a Manipulation Tool
The development of AI technology has contributed to the emergence of new methods of disinformation. Deepfakes, bots and fake accounts allow for the mass generation of manipulated content that can influence social sentiment and damage the reputation of individuals and companies. Experts warn that without effective content verification mechanisms, the problem will intensify.
Digital education – the key to fighting disinformation
In addition to legal regulations, civic awareness and media education are of key importance. Szustkowski emphasizes that digital education should gain the status of an inseparable element of school systems in Europe, in order to teach internet users to recognize manipulation and false content.
Source: https://manager24.pl/walka-o-prawde-w-epoce-chaosu-informacyjnego-europa-mowi-dosc-dezinformacji/