On September 25, 2024, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence (BMLV), in partnership with the Austrian Institute of Technology, hosted the symposium "Disinformation in the Context of Hybrid Threats." This event convened leading experts from academia, the military, public administration, and the media to tackle the urgent challenge of disinformation in the complex landscape of hybrid threats. Among others, two representatives of the ANALYSIS project presented key insights from their work.
Fact-Checking and Media Literacy: Tools for Combating Misinformation
Florian Schmidt, representing the Austrian Press Agency (APA) and the Erasmus+ ANALYSIS project, shed light on the critical role of fact-checking and media literacy in curbing misinformation. His presentation focused on successful models and strategies that have proven effective in countering the spread of false information. By highlighting practical applications and case studies, Schmidt underscored the importance of equipping both individuals and institutions with the skills to critically assess information and navigate the digital landscape.
Key takeaways from Schmidt’s presentation included:
- The necessity of integrating fact-checking methodologies into journalistic practices.
- The role of media literacy education in fostering a more discerning public.
- Collaborative efforts between media organizations, educators, and policy-makers to enhance societal resilience against disinformation.
Democratising Fact-Checking: Insights from the Erasmus+ ANALYSIS Project
Sebastian Sherrah, representing the University of Vienna and also a member of the ANALYSIS project, provided an overview of ongoing research and initiatives. His presentation delved into the findings on who believes in misinformation in Austria and explored the societal factors contributing to the spread and acceptance of disinformation.
Sherrah argued for the democratisation of fact-checking, emphasizing the need to make these tools and practices accessible to a broader audience. He presented the Erasmus+ ANALYSIS project’s course offerings, designed to empower journalists across Europe iwith the knowledge, tools and skills to engage in fact-checking and contribute to a more informed public discourse.
Highlights of Sherrah’s session included:
- Insights into the spread of misinformation in Austria as well as its political and media-related antecedents.
- The significance of organized initiatives in democratizing access to fact-checking tools.
- The course provided by ANALYSIS, which aims to build a community of practice capable of identifying and challenging false narratives.
Bridging the Gap: Interdisciplinary Dialogue and Collaboration
The symposium served as a platform for open dialogue and exchange of research findings and practical experiences. Discussions underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing innovative approaches to tackle disinformation and hybrid threats. By bringing together experts from diverse fields, the event fostered connections and knowledge-sharing that are crucial for advancing defense and security research in Austria and beyond.
In conclusion, the symposium highlighted the imperative of building societal resilience through education, collaboration, and the democratization of fact-checking. The contributions from Florian Schmidt and Sebastian Sherrah underscored the vital role of informed and engaged citizens in safeguarding democratic processes and countering the ever-evolving threat of disinformation.
