"EDMO Newsletter" Newsletter Issues

Get the latest disinformation developments in the run up to the 2024 EP elections straight to your inbox (02/04/2024)

The EDMO Task Force on 2024 European Parliament Elections invites you to subscribe to its daily alert system on disinformation related to the 2024 European Elections and how to counter it. Your free subscription will automatically end after the elections. Click more to subscribe.

Registrations open for the 2024 EDMO Annual Conference (27/03/2024)

Join the 2024 EDMO Annual Conference on 13 and 14 May in Brussels. The programme will focus on 2024 EU elections, media literacy, AI (as a challenge and as a solution), access to online platforms’ data, the Code of Practice on Disinformation and the DSA. The event will convene media and policy practitioners and experts, representatives from the private sector, policymakers, academics, regulators, journalists, and members of civil society. The 2024 edition is in-person only and seats are limited. Register now!

Prebunking AI-generated disinformation ahead of EU elections (27/03/2024)

Until now, AI-generated disinformation content is still a small minority of the total detected disinformation in the EU, according to the monthly reports of the EDMO fact-checking network, but some relevant cases circulated in the past few weeks and months and were debunked by fact-checking organizations. Considering four categories of content – AI-generated images, audio, video and text – and looking at recent precedents (many of them listed in this report of the EDMO Taskforce on EU Elections and in the EDMO monthly briefs), what can reasonably be expected for the upcoming EU elections?

Call for feedback: EDMO Working Group on Media Literacy Standards and Best Practices publishes draft guidelines (19/03/2024)

EDMO Working Group on Media Literacy Standards and Best Practices is delighted to share its draft checklist on media literacy standards and best practices. The list has been developed by the Working Group with input from the EDMO Hubs and other practitioners and experts during a consultation session in December 2023. The Working Group is keen to seek feedback from a wide range of practitioners, researchers, public bodies and other experts. Share your thoughts by 17 April.

EDMO at Media Literacy Matters (19/03/2024)

Media Literacy Matters, a three-day conference on digital and media literacy in practice, took place from 26 February to 1 March 2024 within the framework of the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council, organised by Mediawijs, the Flemish Department of Culture, Youth, and Media, CSEM, Media and Learning Association, Porticus Foundation, and UAntwerpen – Treatpie and in cooperation with EDMOeu. Several members of the EDMOeu team, representatives from the EDMO Hubs, and members of the EDMO Advisory Council all spoke in conference sessions, joining more than 400 attendees in discussions about the status and future of the media literacy in Europe.

Final BENEDMO webinar (28/03/2024)

Get a retrospective on three years of the BENEDMO project and get a closer look at effective fact-checking techniques, the impact of disinformation on our society, and how we can collectively present a front against this spread of disinformation.

Faktabaari 10 Years Forum: STOP THINK CHECK - how to support citizens and society in social media in times of AI? (02/04/2024)

This event commemorates Faktabaari's 10th anniversary and will provide updates on the second phase of EDMO NORDIS. Independent networks are essential in safeguarding democracy and maintaining information integrity during the significant 2024 election year.

EDMO Training series for researchers: TikTok (17/04/2024)

The EDMO training series aims to support researchers to be aware and make use of the current platform offer of data for researchers and transparency tools, by facilitating sessions with invited speakers from the VLOPs to present currently available resources and datasets for researchers. More information on the next session with TikTok coming soon.

2024 EDMO Week (13/05/2024)

The 2024 EDMO Week is a full week of public and closed EDMO events reuniting the entire network and taking place in Brussels from 13 to 17 May. Registrations for the 2024 EDMO Annual Conference are open.

EDMO Media Literacy Digest (15/03/2024)

The March edition of EDMO’s Media Literacy Monthly Digest highlights a range of engaging and informative resources to boost your media literacy skills. From AI image detection challenges like NORDIS-Faktabaari’s “AI-To: the photo challenge game” to online game series on misinformation by IDMO and critical thinking exercises with Slovakia’s “Factology Checker,” there’s a game for everyone. Educators and teachers can strengthen their knowledge with BENEDMO’s curated list of Dutch-language materials and HDMO’s accredited online training “InfoGrund in the online world,” while families can spark media conversations with the French podcast series “Médialogues en famille.” With this diverse toolkit, EDMO empowers everyone to become a more informed and critical media consumer.

March best of fact-checking map (25/03/2024)

The highlights of fact-checking of the EDMO Hubs can be found in an interactive map updated on a monthly basis. In March, the Hubs choose their best fact-checking items on disinformation targeting a wide range of topics, such as the climate, vaccines and health, immigration or EU policies.

BECID: Who is spreading LGBT+ disinformation in the Baltics? (15/03/2024)

New BECID investigation: LGBT+ issues are one of the most popular and persistent topics of disinformation. Most narratives about the traditional family, which supposedly is under attack, are also relevant in the Baltics. In Latvia, this time it resurfaced due to two legislative initiatives. Latvia was one of the last EU countries to adopt any sort of framework for civil partnership.

BELUX: PAPERWALL, Chinese information operation targets Belgium and Luxembourg (15/03/2024)

New BELUX investigation: in February 2024, CitizenLab unveiled an information operation named “PAPERWALL”. This Chinese-originated influence operation has built a network of 123 dummy media outlets worldwide, with a strong presence in Europe. The exposed assets included a Belgian and a Luxembourg website.

Latest EDMO monthly fact-checking brief (15/03/2024)

In February 2024, disinformation about farmers’ protests expands, boosting anti EU feelings and being exploited by Russian propaganda.

Open EMIF calls (15/03/2024)

Have a look at the open calls of EMIF for Media and Information Literacy, research, and investigations on disinformation. Deadline 29 April 2024.

New report on Disinformation narratives during the 2023 elections in Europe (13/12/2023)

The EDMO Task Force on 2024 European Parliament Elections published a report on disinformation narratives circulating during the 2023 elections in Europe. Ahead of next year’s EU Parliamentary elections, useful clues on what will happen during the next electoral campaign can be taken from what happened during this year’s votes. This report is based on over 900 fact-checking articles published in the context of eleven elections in ten different European countries, up to October 2023.

New EDMO Blog launched (06/12/2023)

EDMO has launched a new publication series, the EDMO Blog. The EDMO Blog aims to encourage discussion about key topics relating to understanding and building societal resilience against disinformation. It focuses on EDMO’s core areas of activity, namely research, fact-checking, media-literacy, and policy. With a rapidly changing information environment, disinformation tactics and technology in constant evolution, an informed and insightful discussion on new developments, findings and solutions emerging in Europe and from within the EDMO community hopes to inform broader discussions with a wider audience.

Repository of EDMO Fact-checking articles (13/12/2023)

A repository of all the fact-checking articles published by EDMO is now available. The table organizes the fact-checking content from the websites of the 14 EDMO national and regional hubs, and EDMO.eu itself, produced for EDMO by individual organizations, groups of organizations and/or by the EDMO fact-checking network, that counts over forty European fact-checking organizations and covers all the EU Member States, plus Norway.

Establishment of EDMO Working Group Media Literacy Standards and Best Practices (13/12/2023)

EDMO has established a dedicated Working Group with a goal to raise media literacy levels across Europe, by developing quality standards, guidelines and best practices that new and existing practitioners can consult to increase the effectiveness of their projects. This is crucial to EDMO’s wider mission, as raising media literacy levels increases the public’s resilience to online mis- and disinformation. The MLA4MedLit Conference took place on 15 December 2023 to provide an opportunity to discuss the work carried out so far on creating a draft set of Standards and Best Practices and to gather input from the wider Media Literacy community.

Fourth EDMO Hubs meeting with the EDMO Executive Board (17/01/2024)

The 14 EDMO Hubs and the Executive Board will meet online on 17 January 2024. This meeting will be the occasion to elect future EDMO Hubs Representatives in the EDMO Executive Board.

EDMO online training: Guidelines for Public Interest OSINT Investigations (19/01/2024)

The first 2024 EDMO training on "OSINT Uncovered: Enhancing Investigations with the ObSINT Guidelines," will be delivered by EU DisinfoLab. The training will offer an insightful presentation that delves into the world of open-source intelligence (OSINT) through the lens of the newly established "OSINT Guidelines." Developed by a consortium of experts (EU DisinfoLab, The Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab), OSINT Curious, CheckFirst, Centre for Information Resilience, OpenFacto, and Logically), these guidelines offer a comprehensive framework to elevate the quality and effectiveness of public OSINT investigations. The training will be open to fact-checkers, journalists and CSOs. More information and applications coming soon.

EDMO online training: Media and Information Literacy Campaigns (26/01/2024)

Media Literacy campaigns come in many different shapes and sizes. A growing body of good practice is starting to emerge as practitioners share their experience of what works and, perhaps more importantly, what doesn’t work in the design, delivery and assessment of different types of media literacy campaigns. Experienced practitioners will take participants through the highs and the lows of their large-scale media literacy campaigns in recent months. More information and applications coming soon.

BELUX Idoubt.eu Campaign (13/12/2023)

How do you handle doubt when faced with anxiety-inducing news? The new EDMO BELUX campaign, led by Mediawijs and Média Animation (NPO), offers practical tips for those questioning what they see in the media, bringing more certainty to their doubt. With the goal to enhance the skills of internet users and guide them through the abundance of news, (dis)information, and opinions online, the campaign is available in English, French, Dutch, and Luxembourgish.

New Best of fact-checking map (13/12/2023)

The highlights of fact-checking of the EDMO Hubs can be found in an interactive map updated on a monthly basis. In November, the Hubs choose their best fact-checking items related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, EU policy, national elections and disinformation targeting migrants and Ukrainian refugees.

EDMO Round Table on Digital Media Literacy: ADMO (13/12/2023)

The Digital Media Literacy in EDMO Round Table interview series continues. Conducted by the Media and Learning Association (MLA), interviews are published monthly to highlight the media literacy work of the 14 EDMO hubs in Europe. EDMO media literacy experts assess their current local state of play, share their experiences on the main faced challenges and present their ongoing and future media literacy activities. Read the latest interview with the Adria Digital Media Observatory (ADMO) covering Croatia and Slovenia.

MedDMO Media Plurality Report 2022 (13/12/2023)

The Mediterranean Digital Media Observatory (MedDMO) Media Plurality Report is an annual publication that aims to present and assess the plurality and diversity of the news media ecosystem in the three countries covered: Cyprus, Greece and Malta. The report is the outcome of a comprehensive review, data collection, and analysis of resources focused on the plurality and diversity of the three different news media ecosystems. It is based on the annual Media Pluralism Monitor (MPM), International Press Institute, European Centre for Press, Media and Freedom and national/local reports, incorporating advice and suggestions from community members as well as data from various valuable sources and scientific publications.

EDMO at EGU24: Call for Abstracts (13/12/2023)

EDMO is organising a session on "Science vs. disinformation: recognizing, addressing and tackling fake news to foster science credibility and public awareness" within the European Geosciences Union General Assembly, taking place in Vienna from 14-19 April 2024. Submit your abstract by 10 January 2024.

New EDMO fact-checking investigations (13/12/2023)

EDMO has recently published new investigations on Russian disinformation in Africa, on disinformation techniques against migrants from Ukraine and the Global South, and on how misinformation and far-right groups sparked a riot in Dublin in November after the stabbing of three children at a school.

Best of fact-checking map (13/10/2023)

Check the highlights of fact-checking of the EDMO Hubs in an interactive map updated on a monthly basis. The Hubs are responsible for choosing their best fact-checking item to be displayed on the map.

Call for papers: EDMO Scientific Conference 2024 (12/10/2023)

The EDMO 2024 Scientific Conference on Disinformation is hosted by the University of Amsterdam on 26 and 27 February 2024. This conference aims to foster a comprehensive dialogue on the challenges, impacts, and strategies for addressing disinformation across various fields. The current call for paper welcomes submissions on the latest developments and innovations relevant to disinformation. The deadline for submitting abstracts is 20 October 2023.

EMIF: Community Building Against Disinformation (13/10/2023)

The European Media and Information Fund (EMIF) gathers its community in the second edition of its flagship event to present its projects, foster dialogue on fighting disinformation, and discuss future priorities for 2024. The hybrid event will take place in Florence on 16-17 November 2023.

Early Warning on the current situation in Israel and Palestine (12/10/2023)

The EDMO fact-checking network is currently mobilised to monitor the disinformation circulating online on the situation in Israel and Palestine. An early warning was published following the attack by Hamas on Israeli territory on 7 October 2023 and Israel’s subsequent declaration of war, after a year of escalating violence in the region. Different actors are trying to exploit the crisis to further their own agendas with various disinformation narratives.

Paolo Cesarini joins EDMO as programme director (12/10/2023)

EDMO welcomes its new programme director, Paolo Cesarini. Expert in media policy, the Digital Single Market and EU competition law, Paolo Cesarini previously held management roles at the European Commission, namely in DG COMP, covering both the antitrust and State aid policy areas, and in DG CONNECT, where he led various initiatives addressing the technological transition of the European media industry, the interdependency of societal issues and digital media, online disinformation and the innovation gap between research, technology and culture.

First pilot measurement of Structural Indicators (12/10/2023)

The EDMO Policy Research and Analysis team, coordinated by the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (EUI) has been actively involved in the process of developing Structural Indicators by participating in the the Code of Practice Task-force. The first pilot measurement of Structural Indicators was published by TrustLab on September 26, 2023. This pilot, commissioned within the Code of Practice, is an important contribution to the process of designing, testing, and implementing sound and comprehensive Structural Indicators that unveil relevant dimensions of the disinformation phenomenon and how they evolve over time.

BECID Zoominar: Fact-Checking Masterclass (19/10/2023)

The BaltsTeachMIL Zoominar is the perfect place to learn about the best tools and tricks to help teach fact-checking in your classroom and community. The fact-checking workshop will be held in English with media literacy experts from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. Registrations are still open.

CEDMO Second Annual Conference (06/11/2023)

Join the second EDMO Annual Conference on Dilemmas in European Democracy. The one-day conference is taking place in-person at the Charles University in Prague (Czech Republic). Registrations are still open.

EDMO fact-checking event at the European Parliament (13/11/2023)

EDMO is organising a conference with the EFCSN at the European Parliament in Brussels from 13-15 November 2023. The event will explore paths to build resilience for the 2024 European Elections, beyond fact-checking. More information coming soon.

EDMO Hubs meeting in Dubrovnik (28-29 September 2023) (12/10/2023)

All 14 EDMO Hubs and the Executive Board gathered in Dubrovnik at the end of September. The meeting hosted by the Adria Digital Media Observatory (ADMO) at the University of Dubrovnik enabled insightful conversations on pressing topics including elections-related disinformation, generative AI and Structural Indicators. The event was followed by the 16th Dubrovnik Media Days co-organised by EDMO, gathering the European academic community committed against disinformation.

EDMO Round Table on Digital Media Literacy (12/10/2023)

The Digital Media Literacy in EDMO Round Table interview series continues. Conducted by the Media and Learning Association (MLA), interviews are published monthly to highlight the media literacy work of the 14 EDMO hubs in Europe. EDMO media literacy experts assess their current local state of play, share their experiences on the main faced challenges and present their ongoing and future media literacy activities. Read the latest interview with the French hub DE FACTO.

AI and Disinformation: EDMO Hubs Initiatives (12/10/2023)

Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, including Generative AI, bring about new challenges as well as opportunities related to online disinformation. The EDMO network together with its 14 EDMO Hubs is engaged in exploring the risks that artificial intelligence poses with respect to the impact and scope of online disinformation as well as the opportunities it opens for the development of new AI-powered technologies facilitating its detection and understanding.

EDMO Task Force on the 2024 European Parliament Elections (27/07/2023)

EDMO has established a Task Force on the 2024 European Parliament Elections, to monitor the EU information ecosystem ahead of the elections and facilitate communications in research, MIL and fact-checking initiatives. The Task Force is carrying out a risk assessment exercise, with the ambitious goal of establishing a framework for future elections.

Launch of the EDMO Working Group for the Creation of an Independent Intermediary Body to Support Research on Digital Platforms (28/07/2023)

A new working group chaired by Dr. Rebekah Tromble (EDMO Advisory Council) was launched following previous EDMO recommendations. Sixteen representatives of very large online platforms, academia, and civil society have begun work to develop an organizational model for a new independent intermediary body that will facilitate data sharing between digital platforms, including search engines, and independent, external researchers.

Miguel Maduro receives Pomilio Blumm’s International Ethics Award (14/07/2023)

On 6 July, Miguel Maduro, chair of the EDMO Executive Board, received the Pomilio Blumm’s International Ethics Award, for his proactive stance against disinformation and commitment to promoting ethical principles. He delivered a speech on Truth and Trust in Democracy Today during the award ceremony in Pescara, Italy.

Save the date - Call for papers EDMO Scientific Conference 2024 (26/02/2024)

A call for papers will be launched in September for the EDMO Scientific Conference 2024, which will be held on 26th and 27th February 2024 at the University of Amsterdam. This event will invite researchers to present their latest work on newly approaching topics within the realm of disinformation. There will be invited speakers, match-making sessions, and concessions for early-career scholars. Stay tuned!

EDMO training series for researchers: YouTube (13/09/2023)

The second session of EDMO’s training series on conducting empirical research on online disinformation will provide an introduction to YouTube’s current data and tools to support independent academic research, including the YouTube data API, YouTube Researcher Program and new access provisions under Article 40 (12) of DSA. Applications opening soon.

EDMO training - The economics of disinformation (19/09/2023)

Organised with Global Disinformation Index (GDI), this new EDMO training module will explore algorithmic moderation of disinformation. GDI will share how it creates independent risk signals about online news content, that are being used by technology companies who use algorithms to put content in front of us. And how when given the choice, advertisers choose not to place their ads on the most polarising content on the internet. Applications opening soon.

EDMO Hubs meeting in Dubrovnik (28/09/2023)

The network of 14 EDMO national and regional hubs is gathering in Dubrovnik with the EDMO Executive Board. Hosted by the Adria Digital Media Observatory (ADMO), this in-person meeting will be the occasion to discuss 2024 national and European elections, generative AI and disinformation, and to exchange on project results. The event will be followed by the 16th Dubrovnik Media Days (29-30 September 2023), organised in cooperation with EDMO.

Save the date - CEDMO 2023 Annual Conference (06/11/2023)

The second CEDMO Annual Conference: Dilemmas in European Democracy: Is the Community Heading towards Political Nightfall and Technological Anomy? will be hosted by Charles University in Prague on 6 November 2023. Registrations are now open.

Best of fact-checking map (27/07/2023)

Since April 2023, the highlights of fact-checking of the EDMO Hubs can be found in an interactive map updated on a monthly basis. The Hubs are responsible for choosing their best fact-checking item to be displayed on the map.

EDMO Round Tables - Digital Media Literacy (28/07/2023)

This interview series ”Digital Media Literacy in EDMO Round Table’‘ is conducted by the Media & Learning Association. It is published every month to highlight the work of the 14 EDMO hubs in media literacy. The interviews of the media literacy experts of Ireland Hub, IBERIFIER, NORDIS and BELUX are now available.

CEDMO Special Briefs on the Slovak Parliamentary Elections (28/07/2023)

In the run-up to the parliamentary elections in Slovakia, CEDMO is focusing on disinformation narratives in the country. What are the main trends? And who do the Slovaks want to see as their most important partners? Every three months, CEDMO Brief also provides a concise overview of verified disinformation narratives in the region. Briefs summarize the work of fact-checking organizations within CEDMO.

EDMO BELUX Lunch Lectures (28/07/2023)

EDMO BELUX organises Lunch Lectures, a series of informal gatherings on research topics such as disinformation, hate speech, polarisation, and digitalisation. Lunch Lectures take place online and can be joined by everyone who is interested and who has registered beforehand. The next session is scheduled on 4 September.

GADMO Fact-checking conference and workshop (28/07/2023)

Exchange, cooperation and networking against disinformation: Under this motto, GADMO partner CORRECTIV will be organizing a fact-checking conference on Friday, September 15, as part of the new b° future festival. The event in Bonn invites fact checkers, media professionals, researchers and experts mainly from Germany, Austria and Switzerland to discuss together important topics around disinformation, artificial intelligence, regulations and media literacy in an informal setting.

Follow the work of EDMO on climate change (28/07/2023)

EDMO fact-checking network is regularly publishing investigations on climate change related disinformation. Results have for example shown that the drought in Spain and the floods in Italy sparkled similar disinformation narratives, or that "climate lockdowns" conspiracy theories target authorities undertaking climate action.

EMIF Fact-checking Call is open (28/07/2023)

EMIF Call Boosting Fact-checking Activities in Europe aims at supporting projects from independent fact-checking organisations playing a key role in limiting the negative effects of disinformation on the public discourse and democratic processes. Submission deadline is 31 October 2023.

SECOND MANDATE OF EDMO HAS STARTED (28/02/2023)

A European Commission call for tenders has confirmed a European University Institute-headed consortium as lead of EDMO. During its second mandate, EDMO will intensify its efforts against the rising challenges of online disinformation, including the war in Ukraine. Three new partners join the consortium: the University of Amsterdam with its Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR), the Belgian Media & Learning Association (MLA), and Europe MediaLab (Fondation EURACTIV). The consortium also welcomes the Center for Democracy and Resilience at GLOBSEC and the think tank Integrity Institute as subcontractors.

EDMO EXECUTIVE BOARD STATEMENT (28/02/2023)

Despite pledges, online platforms are failing in the fight against disinformation. The EDMO Executive Board assesses the reports of the signatories of the Strengthened Code of Practice on Disinformation and invites for more accuracy, clarity and transparency in the reporting. Particularly concerning is the recent announcement by Twitter to start charging for access to its application programming interface.

PANDEMIC, WAR AND MORE: 18 MONTHS OF DISINFORMATION (28/02/2023)

EDMO published an overview of the main disinformation topics, narratives and most viral false news detected by the EDMO fact-checking network between June 2021 and November 2022. The main detected topics are the war in Ukraine, COVID-19 and climate change. These topics persist in time and often resurface, adapting to current events in the media. The brief is available in 24 languages.

DISINFORMATION ON THE WAR IN UKRAINE (28/02/2023)

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, EDMO has been active in detecting and debunking disinformation related to the conflict. Results are published regularly on the dedicated repository of fact-checks, provided by the members of the EDMO fact-checking network. Based on the analysis of these fact-checking articles, 21 periodic insights and early warnings have been published so far to provide an overview of the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the disinformation narratives in circulation.

Seminar on climate change disinformation (09/03/2023)

EDMO is organising a seminar on climate change disinformation at the Luiss Guido Carli University, Pola Campus on 9 March from 16:00 to 17:20.

EDMO Hubs meeting in Rome (09/03/2023)

The network of 14 EDMO national and regional hubs is gathering in Rome with the EDMO Executive Board. Hosted by the Italian Digital Media Observatory (IDMO), this in-person meeting will be the occasion for the established Hubs (8) to meet the newest Hubs (6) announced in December 2022 and to discuss future collaboration.

IDMO Annual Event (10/03/2023)

The Italian Digital Media Observatory (IDMO) is organising its annual event. IDMO 365: Reshaping Infosphere will take place on 10 March in Luiss University. Registrations are open.

EDMO 2023 Annual Conference (25/05/2023)

EDMO 2023 Annual Conference will take place on 25 May in Brussels. More information on the programme and registrations are coming soon.

IBERIAN DIGITAL MEDIA MAP (28/02/2023)

On 17 February, the Iberian EDMO Hub (IBERIFIER) presented its map of the 5217 digital media available in Spain and Portugal. The map offers data such as geographic location, focus, financing channels and revenue and more. The data can be filtered and downloaded.

BENEDMO MAKING FACT-CHECKS WORK (28/02/2023)

What’s the best way to make fact-checking work? And what is the difference between science and practice when it comes to fact-checking? During this interactive webinar, panelists and participants will discuss how to translate scientific research into concrete recommendations for fact-checkers in practice. The webinar will be held in English on 20 April from 15:00 to 16:00 CEST.

DE FACTO MEDIA LITERACY PODCAST (28/02/2023)

DE FACTO published a media literacy podcast in five episodes about parents and teenagers discussing information, false news, social media and screen time. The creators aimed at reproducing the important questions raised during daily conversations occurring in families on the topic of information and the relationship of different generations to media.

WHAT MOVES GADMO FACT CHECKERS (28/02/2023)

The false news circulating around the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the work of the fact-checking team of GADMO. Read how the GADMO research team tried to make sense of the +5000 texts that were created by the network by January 2023 and of how the topics of detected disinformation evolved from xenophobia to COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine.

2023 CALLS FOR PROPOSALS NOW OPEN (28/02/2023)

The European Media and Information Fund (EMIF) opened three calls for proposals for projects in Europe aiming to fight disinformation, for a total of €4,800,000. Deadline 28 April 2023.

EDMO 2023 TRAINING PROGRAMME (28/02/2023)

The 2023 EDMO Training Programme is coming soon with more training sessions on fact-checking, media literacy, research, and policy. Stay tuned!

EDMO investigations on Covid19 (09/12/2022)

Read the latest collaborative investigations of the EDMO fact-checking network on the circulating disinformation and conspiracy theories related to the Covid19 pandemic.

Call for papers: Disinformation and online media (09/12/2022)

Researching on disinformation? Don't miss the Call for Papers for a thematic issue on Disinformation and online media at the Revista El Profesional de la Información, guest-edited by IBERIFIER coordinators Ramón Salaverría and Gustavo Cardoso.

EDMO training series on conducting empirical research on online disinformation and current toolkits for accessing platform data (06/12/2022)

EDMO is launching a training series to support researchers to make use of currently available platform resources and datasets. The training series will consist of monthly online training sessions of 90 minutes each, in which different online platforms representatives will present their currently available and forthcoming products and datasets. The first session took place on 6 December with the Academic & Research partnerships team at Meta. Applications for future sessions coming soon.

EC Vice-President Věra Jourová meets Ireland Hub (09/12/2022)

On October 11 in Dublin, representatives of the Ireland Hub met the European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová. The discussion focused on the ways the Irish Hub tackles disinformation in Ireland via fact-checking and media literacy initiatives, as well as on the proposed European Media Freedom Act and the Strengthened Code of Practice on Disinformation.

Understanding and handling disinformation for practitioners focusing on Africa (09/12/2022)

For the first time, EDMO collaborated with Africa Check and Fact Space West Africa to organise a training on understanding and handling disinformation, aimed at media practitioners focusing on Africa. Two editions took place online over the autumn and enabled the gathering of brilliant trainers and participants, who exchanged expertise, views and experiences on crucial aspects of the fight against disinformation. The three-days trainings focused on actors and techniques of disinformation, fact-checking and verification, safety and protection of journalists.

EDMO and EU DisinfoLab Training - Uncovering disinformation campaigns with OSINT tools (15/12/2022)

This training course aimed at the EDMO network will provide a step-by-step guide to investigating disinformation campaigns with freely available OSINT tools. The training will be delivered in collaboration with EU DisinfoLab, which recent investigations will be used as examples during the course.

Second Training Event on EDMO Collaborative Platform (09/12/2022)

On 8 and 9 December, the EDMO network including EDMO Hubs, fact-checkers, and researchers, gathered in Athens (Greece) for the Second EDMO Training Event focused on the Truly Media Platform. Hosted by the Athens Technology Center, the event was the occasion for the international EDMO network to meet in person and exchange on future cooperation and collaborative fact-checking practices.

IDMO Appointments with Digital Media (09/12/2022)

The Italian Digital Media Observatory launched a second cycle of media literacy trainings developed IDMO's partner TIM, the Italian network provider, for middle and high school students and teachers. This initiative aims to increase young people's awareness of the opportunities but also the risks of digital media, especially with regard to misinformation. IDMO is also partnering with RAI for the programme Pills against Disinformation.

Whole EU covered by all EDMO Hubs (08/12/2022)

The EDMO network expands its coverage to all 27 EU Member States as well as Norway, in the EEA. Following the second call for EDMO Hubs, the European Commission has selected six new hubs that will become part of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), strengthening the European ecosystem that works to fight disinformation. Officially announced on 1 December 2022, the six newly established EDMO hubs should be operational by the beginning of 2023.

EDMO at the European Media Literacy Week 2022 (09/12/2022)

The European Media Literacy Week took place from 24 to 28 October, gathering international media literacy practitioners. The EDMO network participated and presented various media and information literacy initiatives. As part of the Media Literacy Week EDMO, the Ireland Hub and Media Literacy Ireland held a training on Nurturing Trust by Evaluating the impact of media literacy initiatives. In the future, this kind of training will be tailored to local environments for other EDMO Hubs.

EDMO Media Literacy Country Profiles (12/09/2022)

As part of EDMO’s work to map the media literacy landscape in Europe, EDMO produces country profiles for each Member State. The country profiles offer an overview of media literacy in the country, along with details about any national policies or frameworks, information about key stakeholders, the status of media literacy in the national curriculum and outside formal education, and the activities of the EDMO Hubs. The profiles of Croatia, Finland, France, Ireland and Italy are available.

Wednesday Webinars on Digital & Media Literacy in Europe (12/09/2022)

EDMO and the Media & Learning Association are running a series of online seminars on the work of the EDMO Hubs on Media Literacy. This series will highlight specific aspects of the media literacy work of these hubs and will identify good practices that can be shared by others engaged in media literacy. The first webinar on 14 September focused on the media literacy activities of the Hubs in Italy, Ireland, Belgium and Luxembourg. Recordings and a report will be soon available and registrations are open for the next editions.

EDMO fact-checks Disinformation on Climate Change (12/09/2022)

Since the beginning of the ongoing exceptional heatwave, the EDMO fact-checking network has identified a rise in disinformation related to climate change, as attention on the pandemic and the war in Ukraine is fading. The July fact-checking brief and the latest collective investigations reveal the circulation in the European public opinion of conspiracy theories and precise narratives undermining the reality of climate change.

Call to join the Strengthened Code of Practice (12/09/2022)

EDMO invites new players from the online information ecosystem active in the EU to become signatories of the 2022 Strengthened Code of Practice on Disinformation. Presented on 16 June 2022 by 34 signatories, it sets a broader range of commitments and measures for platforms and industry to counter online disinformation. An important role for EDMO is foreseen in the implementation of a number of commitments. EDMO will also be part of the permanent task force dedicated to the adaptation and update of the Code.

Take our Survey on Training Needs (12/09/2022)

EDMO trainings contribute to a deeper understanding of disinformation and how to effectively tackle it. The 2022 calendar of EDMO trainings has been updated on the website. The new online survey for stakeholders working on online disinformation will be open until 15 November 2022. Tell us about your needs and help us identify the most relevant topics for future EDMO training sessions.

Europe Tackles Information Chaos (22/09/2022)

All slots are sold out, but you can still register to participate online to the Central European Digital Media Observatory (CEDMO) 1st international conference in Prague. Organised under the auspices of the Czech Presidency of the European Union, leading experts and key stakeholders (Věra Jourová, Jochen Spangenberg and Alexander Stubb among others) will discuss a comprehensive range of high-level issues of disinformation.

BENEDMO Conference: Disinformation in times of conflict (30/09/2022)

The Belgium-Netherlands Digital Media and Disinformation Observatory and the KU Leuven organise the BENEDMO Conference on Disinformation in times of conflict. During various sessions, experts and experience experts take you into the world of disinformation and conflict. The event will take place in Dutch and registrations are open.

InVid-WeVerify verification toolbox training (05/10/2022)

The European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) is pleased to announce the launch of its online training module on “The InVID-WeVerify verification toolbox”, organised in collaboration with the Observatoire de l’Information et des médias (DE FACTO), the Ireland Hub and the vera.ai project. Registrations are open to the EDMO Hubs and the members of EDMO fact-checking network.

Disinformation on the war in Ukraine (12/09/2022)

EDMO continues its work on the circulating disinformation narratives about the war in Ukraine. Periodic insights are published monthly.

European Narrative Observatory (12/09/2022)

To complement the work of EDMO, the European Commission opened a call to fund a project to analyse how narratives are created and spread in the European discourse.

EDMO 2022 Annual Conference (11/07/2022)

On the occasion of its 2nd birthday, EDMO held its 2022 Annual Conference in Brussels on 13 and 14 June. Journalists, media and policy practitioners, academics, regulators and members of civil society organisations came together to discuss current disinformation issues, such as Ukraine and Covid19. The conclusion of the successful event made clear that the next phase of the project will require an even higher level of ambition to tackle the challenges ahead.

Report of EDMO Taskforce on Ukraine (11/07/2022)

The EDMO Taskforce on Disinformation and the War in Ukraine, chaired by Dr Claire Wardle, has published its report with 10 recommendations to further support the fight against disinformation and address challenges posed by the conflict. The recommendations are aimed at policymakers, technology companies, newsrooms and civil society. They are the result of weekly observations, research and discussions conducted over the past three months.

Access to Data and Draft Code of Conduct (11/07/2022)

The Working Group on Platform-to-Researcher Data chaired by Dr Rebekah Tromble presented its newly released report to the Cabinet of the Commission’s VP Věra Jourová during the EDMO 2022 Annual Conference. The report included a draft Code of Conduct on how platforms can provide independent researchers access to data in compliance with the GDPR. The document finally provides a framework to facilitate academic research, filling a widely recognised gap.

EDMO welcomes Strengthened Code of Practice (11/07/2022)

EDMO welcomes the 2022 Strengthened Code of Practice on Disinformation, presented on 16 June 2022 by 34 signatories. The Code sets a broader range of commitments and measures for platforms and industry to counter online disinformation. An important role for EDMO is foreseen in the implementation of a number of commitments. EDMO will also be part of the permanent task force dedicated to the adaptation and update of the Code.

Mapping EU Media Literacy Initiatives following Ukraine (11/07/2022)

Following the public call for information on media literacy initiatives, EDMO published its analysis on the mapping of European media literacy initiatives in response to the war in Ukraine. Crisis and conflict require rapid responses to disinformation as the public looks for reliable information. The report highlights uneven but promising efforts and underlines the need for strengthened media literacy efforts to overcome future challenges.

Measuring the Impact of Media Literacy Initiatives (11/07/2022)

Following the two online training sessions on evaluating the impact of media literacy initiatives, Professor Sonia Livingstone, member of the EDMO Advisory Board, shares her views on how to ensure the positive benefits of such media literacy projects. Assessing the impact of media literacy interventions remains difficult, as it is hard to measure the acquisition of skills, particularly with no standard baseline to refer to.

Training for Media Practitioners focusing on Africa (07/09/2022)

EDMO is launching an online training on understanding and handling disinformation for media practitioners working on Africa. Co-organised with AfricaCheck and FactSpace West Africa, the training proposes three modules on actors and techniques of disinformation, fact-checking and verification tools and safety and protection of journalists. Applications will open soon.

Europe Tackles Information Chaos (22/09/2022)

The Central European Digital Media Observatory (CEDMO) is organising its 1st international conference in Prague under the auspices of the Czech Presidency of the European Union. Among other leading experts and key stakeholders, Věra Jourová, Gianni Riotta and Lauri Tierala will contribute to exploring a comprehensive range of topics. Registrations are open.

Wednesday Webinars on Digital & Media Literacy in Europe (01/09/2022)

The EDMO Hubs present their work on media literacy in 'Exploring Media Literacy at National, Regional and Local Level', a new series of webinars, open to the public. The programme and registration link will be published soon.

EDMO Advisory Board meets in Florence (11/07/2022)

For the first time in two years, the EDMO Advisory Board gathered in Florence on 1 July.

10 tips on misinformation on foreigner crime (11/07/2022)

EDMO fact-checking network proposes ways to not be misled about crimes that foreigners are suspected of committing.

EDMO 2022 Annual Conference registrations open (29/04/2022)

On 13 and 14 June, the EDMO 2022 Annual Conference will take place in Brussels. The event will bring together media and policy practitioners, media and information literacy experts, academics, online players and civil society organisations.

EDMO 2022 Training Calendar (29/04/2022)

The calendar of EDMO trainings for 2022 is out. The broad and multidisciplinary offer includes multiple facets of the phenomenon of disinformation: neuroscience, history, EU policy, research and much more.

Take our survey on training needs (29/04/2022)

The new online survey for stakeholders working on online disinformation will be open until 15 May 2022. Tell us about your needs and help us identify the most relevant topics for future EDMO training sessions.

EDMO Network gathers in Florence (29/04/2022)

On 14 March, the EDMO Hubs met the Executive Board. This gathering was the occasion to present and discuss the plan for collaboration as well as the next steps for the growing EDMO community. On 11 February EDMO also met with the EU Small-scale Online Media Projects to learn more about their planned activities and kickstart collaboration with the EDMO network.

EDMO meets ERGA (29/04/2022)

On 15 March EDMO had the pleasure to receive the European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services (ERGA) in Florence. The meeting set the lines for a deepened collaboration to tackle online disinformation including potential future collaboration in the context of the revised Code of Practice on Disinformation.

EDMO fact-checking network in Milan (02/05/2022)

The EDMO fact-checking network gathered in Milan on 29 April for the 2nd EDMO international fact-checking conference organised by Pagella Politica and Facta News. Partners discussed European answers to the phenomenon of online disinformation including cooperation in the policy and media literacy field. New members of the network also joined: Nieuwscheckers (NL), Eurocomunicare (RO), Tjek.Det (DK), Re:Baltica (LV), factcheck.vlaanderen (BE) and Ekspress Meedia / Eesti Päevaleht (EE). During winter 2021, EDMO has welcomed Polígrafo (PT), EFE Verifica (ESP) and France tv (FR).

International Fact-checking Day: EDMO interview (29/04/2022)

On 2 April, the International fact-checking day, the EU Research and Innovation Magazine Horizon invited Lauri Tierala (Programme Director of EDMO), Paula Gori (Secretary-General and Coordinator of EDMO) and Tommaso Canetta (Pagella Politica) to present EDMO and their views on the best ways to tackle online disinformation.

From antivax to war propaganda: A global disinformation switch visible in Belgium (03/05/2022)

Webinar organised by EDMO BELUX to present its first investigation, which covers the dominant social media narratives spanning from the coronavirus pandemic to the war in Ukraine.

EDMO network investigations (29/04/2022)

Catch up with the latest investigations conducted by the EDMO fact-checking network.

Follow the work of EDMO on the war in Ukraine (29/04/2022)

In reaction to the war in Ukraine, EDMO has created a taskforce and a repository of fact-checked items. Main disinformation trends are published weekly.