Source: IDMO
As disinformation becomes a global concern, T6 Ecosystems is committed to tackling disinformation, developing ad hoc strategies to increase critical thinking and providing support to policy development.
A strategic multi stakeholder approach to strike a balance between ensuring a secure online environment and preserving freedom of expression for all citizens nowadays is indispensable to combat the threat of disinformation in our societies, as well as an harmonized effort at both EU and member state levels.
On the EU front, recent regulatory strides include the adoption of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the 2022 Code of Practice on Disinformation. Inspired by the European Code of Practice, Pagella Politica/Facta.news in partnership with the Italian Digital Media Observatory (IDMO) consortium members of Data Lab Luiss, RAI, NewsGuard and GEDI Group, dedicated the entirety of 2023 to developing a National Code of Practice on disinformation. This self-regulatory and voluntary framework seeks to unite key stakeholders in the Italian media sector, fostering the adoption of guidelines and standards to combat disinformation. Following a thorough analysis and drafting process, the finalized document was officially unveiled on November 28th at Luiss University, where T6 Ecosystems participated with great interest and curiosity.
The event hosted guest speakers such as Gianni Riotta, Director of the Master in Journalism and Multimedia Communication at LUISS and IDMO project coordinator; Alberto Rabbachin, Deputy Head of Unit at the European Commission; Paula Gori, Secretary General of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO); Francesco Giorgino, Journalist at RAI; Walter Galbiati and Filippo Davanzo of GEDI Group; Giovanni Zagni, Director of Pagella Politica/Facta.news; and Tommaso Canetta, Deputy Director at Pagella Politica/Facta.news.
During the first panel, speakers delved into European efforts against disinformation, encompassing the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) and its national hubs, and the significance of regulatory tools like the Digital Services Act and the 2022 Code of Practice on disinformation. Paula Gori stressed the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach by EDMO and highlighted the vital role of the national hubs within this extensive network. Rabbachin provided a comprehensive overview of the Digital Services Act and its development to date, emphasizing the need “to create a structured ecosystem capable of systematically addressing disinformation.”
In the second panel discussion on IDMO partners’ activities in preparing the National Code, Giorgino highlighted the code’s tangible and impactful commitments, particularly in influencing the phases of news making and generating information. On the other side, Filippo Davanzo and Walter Galbiati detailed the feedback-gathering process and acknowledged the extensive participation of all stakeholders, with a special mention of RAI Research Office’s substantial contribution during the drafting period.
The event ended with Canetta presenting the preamble and commitments of the Code. He reflected on the lengthy process and emphasized the Code’s wording, describing “the price that is paid by believing in disinformation” and its detrimental role in ongoing conflicts around the world.
The conclusion of this event marked the official start of a 12-month period of promotion in which relevant stakeholders in the Italian media sector will be invited to become signatories and endorse the Code. The document serves as an additional mechanism, this time on a national level, in combatting disinformation. By providing a toolkit of general principles and good practices, the IDMO Code represents a significant milestone for the Observatory and its partners, highlighting a longtime commitment to impactful policy initiatives and delivering concrete results. Furthermore, the collaboration between the consortium partners in delivering such a document shows an unwavering commitment by IDMO in fostering a stable policy dialogue with a multistakeholder approach united by the common objective of improving the Italian and European media and information landscape.