Misinformation, the challenges it poses in today’s digital environment, and the need to strengthen citizens’ trust in reliable information were the focus of the event titled “Disinformation in the EU: Protecting Truth and Trust,” held on Wednesday, September 30, at the Journalists’ Club in Nicosia.
The event highlighted the new dimensions that the phenomenon of disinformation is taking on in the European Union, at a time when the speed at which information spreads, the growing influence of social media, and the rapid development of artificial intelligence are creating new challenges for journalism, institutions, and citizens themselves.
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As part of the event, MEP Loukas Fourlas delivered remarks, addressing the European dimension of the issue and the challenges facing the European Union.
Lucas Fessias, Editor-in-Chief of ALPHA Cyprus’s news portal, AlphaNews.Live, who shared a journalistic perspective on misinformation, fact-checking, and the media’s responsibility in an ever-changing digital environment.
Of particular interest was the participation of Ivana Radojicic, a representative of the Brussels-based organization Out of the Box International, who presented the European Erasmus+ program “TackleDisInfo – Tackling Disinformation and Promoting Digital Literacy Through Education and Training.” TackleDisInfo focuses on combating disinformation through education and training, providing educators and trainers with practical tools and activities aimed at strengthening digital literacy, critical thinking, and fact-checking skills.
Through the presentations and discussion, the importance of a multi-level approach to combating misinformation was highlighted. Tackling this phenomenon is not the sole responsibility of journalists or European and national institutions, but requires the cooperation of the media, the educational community, civil society, and citizens themselves.
At the same time, particular emphasis was placed on the need to foster critical thinking and digital literacy, so that citizens have the necessary tools to evaluate their sources, recognize misleading content, and cross-check the information they encounter daily online and on social media.
The event is part of the “European Parliament: Your Voice, Your Future” program, which is co-funded by the European Union, with the aim of informing citizens about issues related to the European Parliament and contributing to a meaningful dialogue on matters that affect their daily lives.
Citizens were able to watch the event online via the digital channels of ALPHA Cyprus and AlphaNews.Live.
