Rising disinformation campaigns to discredit journalists and media
The rise of disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting journalists and media organisations has reached alarming levels in Europe, as in other parts of the world. Through tactics such as online harassment, smear campaigns and legal intimidation, bad actors seek to erode trust in quality media, making it easier for disinformation to flourish unchecked, International Press Institute (IPI) says launching an observatory to highlight the attacks.
The Observatory of Disinformation Narratives Against the Media is part of Decoding the Disinformation Playbook, a joint initiative by IPI, Faktograf and the German daily Taz to decipher populist propaganda in Europe targeting fact-checkers and investigative journalists.
Faktograf and IPI have released “I never put my name on the doorbell”, a guide and resource for journalists, fact-checkers, and media organisations facing escalating online harassment, particularly during election periods.
The report is the result of research and collaboration between Faktograf, IPI, and other European fact-checking organisations.
The findings are based on interviews with key personnel from six leading fact-checking outlets across Europe, sharing experiences and strategies in the lead-up to and following the 2024 European parliamentary elections.
“It is evident that while there is a robust framework in place for monitoring and combating disinformation, the landscape of electoral disinformation is continually evolving. This means that countermeasures also need to constantly evolve”, the report says.
The collaboration among fact-checking organisations proved to be instrumental in staying ahead of disinformation trends, is one of the conclusions.
“While covering the EU elections, fact-checking organisations experienced harassment and were a target of coordinated campaigns. The expectations that far-right politicians and actors were going to be the primary perpetrators were correct. For example, Poligrafo, a Portuguese fact-checking organisation, faced multiple threats including those from neo-Nazi groups targeting journalists by name.”
“Fact-checking organisations must be equipped with adequate funding for psychological support services and legal assistance to address the emotional and legal ramifications of harassment. This need is yet to be fully recognised and addressed in the philanthropic and donor community”, the report says.
“In conclusion, the collective effort and shared knowledge among European fact-checking organisations have created a robust defence against electoral disinformation.”
While challenges persist, the ongoing commitment to collaboration, innovation, and safety will continue to empower fact-checkers in their crucial role within the democratic process.”
“The ability to adapt to new threats, maintain rigorous standards, and support of fact-checkers in their work is essential to preserving the integrity of elections and public trust in the media”, the report concludes.
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