European Union vs. Disinformation: What Does "The Action Plan Against Disinformation" Tell Us?

Disinformation, by definition, is a piece of false information distributed in public with the intent of influencing public opinion in one way or another. It stands out as one of the most difficult threats to democratic governments, with the potential to damage the credibility and stability of states and democratic institutions. Furthermore, it jeopardizes the operation of fundamental human rights such as the "right to freedom of thinking and the right to hold beliefs without interference" or "the right to freedom of speech".

Given all of these considerations, combating false news stands out as a responsibility for governments, international and local actors, intergovernmental, non-governmental, and supranational organizations. As the most powerful supranational body on the European continent, the European Union has already taken a few efforts to combat disinformation.

The EU has already talked about the importance that disinformation can pose. During the United Kingdom's "Brexit" referendum and Catalan independence, the continent hosted numerous disinformation campaigns. The European Council summoned the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in 2015 to discuss internet disinformation issues. However, the European Commission did not launch its 'Action Plan Against Disinformation' until 2018. The plan is still one of the core pillars of EU strategy, and it outlines four pillars, which are as follows:

"i. Improving the capabilities of Union institutions to detect, analyse and expose disinformation

ii. Strengthening coordinated and joint responses to disinformation

iii. Mobilising the private sector to tackle disinformation

iv. Raising awareness and improving societal resilience"

The first pillar of strengthening EU institutions' capabilities comprises the bolstering of the Strategic Communication Task Forces of the European External Action Service, Union Delegations and the EU Hybrid Fusion Cell. This approach was made possible by channeling special staff from those institutions, as well as professionals in data mining and media monitoring. The European External Action Service strategic communication teams are expected to be reinforced in two stages. The first step, in the short term, is to double the budget for this issue in 2019 and to reinforce at least 11 places in European elections. The Strategic Communication Task Forces are tasked with maintaining close contact with the European Commission and Union delegations dealing with disinformation and its threats.

The second pillar envisions strengthening cooperation among member states. Furthermore, the strategy highlights the concept of a "Rapid Alert System," in which numerous players, including NATO, the G7, and the European External Action Service, collaborate to combat information disorder.

Third, the private sector is being organized to combat disinformation, particularly in the advertising industry. This pillar focuses on the "Code of Practice on Disinformation" and its implementation. As a result, it places the European Commission in charge of monitoring its full implementation. Furthermore, as stated in the Code of Practice, the Commission will assess its implementation and will have the authority to impose additional sanctions on the private sector.

Last but not least, the EU emphasizes the need of public awareness of the issue. Even so, the Action Plan emphasizes the challenges of creating resilience and proposes numerous solutions to improve public resistance against disinformation. The establishment of independent fact-checking organizations and the reinforcement of media literacy are emphasized. 

A year after the Action Plan was launched, the European Council confirmed that combating fake news and disinformation remains one of the top priorities. The Ukrainian war demonstrated the significance of planning for disinformation, as Russian government agencies relied heavily on online propaganda, disinformation, and news masquerading. In light of today's global concerns, the efficacy of the EU's efforts remains a question for the readers.