The Impact of Disinformation on Democratic Processes and Human Rights in the World
Brussels: European Parliament, Directorate General for External Policies of the Union (2021), 54 pp.
Contains bibliogr. pp. 50-54
ISBN 978-92-846-8015-3 (print); 978-92-846-8014-6 (pdf)
"Disinformation undermines human rights and many elements of good quality democracy; but counter-disinformation measures can also have a prejudicial impact on human rights and democracy. COVID-19 compounds both these dynamics and has unleashed more intense waves of disinformation, allied to human rights and democracy setbacks. Effective responses to disinformation are needed at multiple levels, including formal laws and regulations, corporate measures and civil society action. While the EU has begun to tackle disinformation in its external actions, it has scope to place greater stress on the human rights dimension of this challenge. In doing so, the EU can draw upon best practice examples from around the world that tackle disinformation through a human rights lens. This study proposes steps the EU can take to build counter-disinformation more seamlessly into its global human rights and democracy policies." (Abstract)
1 Introduction and methodology, 1
2 Understanding the concept of disinformation, 2
3 The impacts of disinformation and counter-disinformation measures on human rights and democracy, 9
4 The impact of disinformation during the COVID-19 crisis, 18
5 Mapping responses: legislative and regulatory bodies, corporate activities and civil society, 23
6 EU responses to disinformation, 29
7 Rights-based initiatives against disinformation: identifying best practices, 39
8 Conclusions and recommendations, 46
2 Understanding the concept of disinformation, 2
3 The impacts of disinformation and counter-disinformation measures on human rights and democracy, 9
4 The impact of disinformation during the COVID-19 crisis, 18
5 Mapping responses: legislative and regulatory bodies, corporate activities and civil society, 23
6 EU responses to disinformation, 29
7 Rights-based initiatives against disinformation: identifying best practices, 39
8 Conclusions and recommendations, 46
