Module 5

Question 1

What are we talking about?

Answer 1

erroneous beliefs, manipulation, confusion, division

Question 2

What’s the problem?

Answer 2

algorithms/AI, foreign interference, critical thinking, politics

Question 3

Mis/disinformation is not new

Answer 3

It is not only a foreign problem that reflects new communication dynamics, it’s also a domestic problem that reflects confusion and dissatisfaction with current politics.

Question 4

What do experts say?

Answer 4

It’s dangerous!!!negative effects on democracy and public trust, polarisation, destabilisation of political order…Effects are over-stated.conceptual flaws, questionable methods of analysis, politicisation, limited reach of “fake news”…the truth is that we’re not sure yet. It is extremely difficult to measure the impact of complex and ever-changingphenomena such as mis/disinformation.More research is needed to fully understand them.

Question 5

Cognitive drivers

Answer 5

Cognitive Drivers(lack of) analytical thinking skills, neglect of sources, familiarity, partisandhip, bias

Question 6

Socio affective Drivers

Answer 6

in-group attraction, emotions, worldviews, identity, access to media, belief system, …

Question 7

EU’s response tool kit

Answer 7

Policy documents and guidelines (e.g. Action Plan on Strategic Communication, Action Plan against Disinformation, Code of Practice)Dedicated units and staff (e.g. East StratCom Task Force)Detection and coordination tools (Rapid Alert System)Legal acts (e.g. Digital Services Act)*Restrictive measures (e.g. broadcasting ban on Russian state-sponsored media)The EU’s Response Toolkitbroadening and hardening responsecrisis response and emergency measuresdemocratic deficit

Question 8

Ban of RT and Sputnik

Answer 8

24 Feb 2022Russian Invasion of Ukraine27 Feb 2022von der Leyen announces “tools to ban toxic and harmful disinformation in Europe”1 Mar 2022Council Regulation 2022/350 suspending broadcasting of RT and Sputnik

Question 9

Why was the ban adopted?

Answer 9

Geopolitical concerns (soft power, support for Ukraine)Fear over territorial integrity and political independenceSolidarity with other states and appropriatenessContext of fear, urgency, and political pressur

Question 10

Implications of the ban

Answer 10

Questions of EU (in)competence and sanctions to expand itNormalization of non-democratic, “crisis policy-making” in digital policyCriticism of (dis)proportionality of restriction on free speechPotentially setting a dangerous precedent for authoritarianism*Limited effectiveness and deepened polarization of information space
The securitization of disinformation, as illustrated by the adoption of the ban of RT and Sputnik, shows that presenting information challenges as security threats creates normative and ethical incoherence in EU policy and further deepens the polarisation it seeks to address in the first place.