Freedom to Disinform? Conspiracy Theories, Fake News and Collective Actions on the Digital Realm

Abstract

This panel delves into the intricate and multifaceted landscape of information dissemination on social media platforms and beyond. In an era where information flows freely through the digital realm, the boundaries between knowledge and disinformation become increasingly blurred. On the one hand, the proliferation of fake news and conspiracy theories is seen as contributing to the polarisation of public opinion, distrust in government and expertise, the growth of dissent and the propagation of hate speech. On the other hand, the risks of disinformation have been countered by new forms of collective action and policies to safeguard the democratic public sphere. This includes new regulatory competences and policy initiatives at national and (trans)national (EU) level with a potential impact on free speech.

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