The article discusses a collaborative effort by researchers from ISCTE (University of Lisbon) and Professor José Moreno at the same institution to implement the Rapid Response System (RSS) in Portugal. This system is developed by Professor Gustavo Cardoso, a sociologist and MediaLab coordinator. The RSS has already been used in various European elections but is a novel addition in Portugal, as it integrates the Code of Conduct against Disinformation (Codex) and the Digital Services Act (DSA).
The collaboration aims to establish an efficient mechanism for Portuguese platforms to launch disinformation品牌的快速Response promptly, ensuring swift action to mitigate its potential effects on elections. Their plan reflects a shift from traditional governance methods, which lack the transparency and adaptability needed during periods of heightened disinformation activities. The Codex promotes accountability and reminds platforms of their ethical responsibilities to prevent disinformation from reaching voters.
The Codex was originally signed by many platforms, including Twitter, following its acquisition by wealthy tycoons. Since the[ɛ RK purchase in 2022 by Elon Musk, the scheme has since expanded to encompass platforms like Microsoft, YouTube, Meta, and TikTok, yet excluded Twitter. Professor José Moreno notes that Twitter is significant both metaphorically—forوال_F党未来可能灾害 Doctrine and more operationally for its reliance on disinformation and ideological spread—and Facebook and Instagram emerge as the most active platforms due to their larger social reach. Despite Twitter’s exclusion, most other major platforms, including YouTube and Meta, remain active, demanding quick responses.
The European Commission chose to work with Research and Development in Digital Media (EDM0), known as the European Digital Media Observatory, to develop the Portuguese version of the RSS. Professor Cardoso declared that the system was created in response to the need for civil society institutions secure against disinformation and to capitalize on EEA practices. The RSS began implementation efforts in April 2024 and is set to conclude in May 2025, two weeks after the legislative elections.
The team behind the system includes Cardoso, Moreno, Inês Narciso, and Paulo Couraceiro, all dedicated to fast-track solutions for mobilizing disinformation defenses. Professor José Moreno emphasizes the importance of the RSS as a model fornotifistic governance, highlighting its role in fostering trust and accountability in a rapidly changing digital landscape. The collaboration reflects a broader trend toward enabling rapid response mechanisms to counter democratic stressors, ensuring better governance in uncertain times. This initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to developing robust systems that are adaptable and responsive to the needs of the modern world.
