Israel and EU Unite to Combat Disinformation in the Digital Age
JERUSALEM – In a world increasingly shaped by the pervasive influence of social media, the fight against disinformation has become a critical battleground for democracies worldwide. On December 9, 2024, the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) and the European Union (EU) Delegation in Israel convened a pivotal conference in Jerusalem, bringing together leading experts from government, civil society, media, and the private sector to address the urgent challenges posed by online disinformation and explore collaborative solutions. The conference, titled "Information Integrity and Social Media: The Israeli Experience and Lessons from the EU," underscored the growing recognition that the digital realm has become a new front in geopolitical conflicts and a breeding ground for manipulation that threatens democratic processes, social cohesion, and even international security.
The conference provided a platform for Israeli and European leaders to share their experiences and best practices in combating disinformation. Ambassador of the EU to Israel, Dimiter Tzantchev, emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting how "disinformation, information manipulation and influence campaigns have become a weapon in modern geopolitics." He stressed the EU’s commitment to tackling this challenge through both immediate mitigation efforts and long-term preventative measures targeted at social media platforms. The EU’s proactive stance in developing robust regulatory frameworks for digital platforms served as a valuable learning experience for Israeli policymakers.
IDI President Yohanan Plesner underscored the particular vulnerability of Israel to online disinformation campaigns, given the nation’s ongoing internal and external conflicts. He noted how these malicious efforts exacerbate existing polarization, erode trust in institutions, and fuel extremism, hindering constructive dialogue and problem-solving. Plesner expressed the importance of learning from the EU’s experience in regulating digital spaces and adapting those lessons to the specific challenges facing Israeli society. The conference served as a crucial forum for sharing insights and fostering collaboration between Israeli and European stakeholders in this critical area.
Dr. Tehilla Shwartz Altshuler, Head of IDI’s Democracy in the Digital Age Program, painted a stark picture of the "information war" raging on social media alongside the physical conflicts Israel faces. She highlighted the unpreparedness of both social media companies and Israel’s regulatory framework to effectively counter the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and violent content. Dr. Shwartz Altshuler pointed to the inadequate enforcement of moderation policies on these platforms as a major contributing factor to the proliferation of harmful content. Her remarks emphasized the urgent need for stricter regulations and more effective enforcement mechanisms to hold social media companies accountable for the content hosted on their platforms.
The conference discussions delved into a wide range of critical topics, including the evolving tactics of disinformation campaigns, the role of artificial intelligence in amplifying misinformation, and the importance of media literacy in empowering citizens to critically evaluate online content. Participants explored the potential of collaborative initiatives between governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to develop effective countermeasures and promote a more resilient information ecosystem. The exchange of ideas and experiences between Israeli and European experts provided valuable insights into the diverse challenges and potential solutions in addressing the global disinformation crisis.
The conference served as a catalyst for future collaboration between Israel and the EU in tackling the complex issue of online disinformation. IDI experts committed to leveraging the lessons learned from the conference to develop concrete policy recommendations for Israeli decision-makers. The shared commitment to protecting democratic values and fostering a more responsible digital environment underscores the importance of international cooperation in navigating the challenges of the digital age. The ongoing dialogue between Israel and the EU promises to contribute significantly to the global effort to combat disinformation and safeguard the integrity of democratic processes.