The European Digital Media Observatory, which aims to analyze disinformation, is funded by the European Union and brings together researchers and media education experts.
To mark the launch of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), Vera Jourova adopted a solemn tone. “Disinformation increasingly threatens our democratic societies, and we must combat it. We will thus defend the values and fundamental rights [prevailing in Europe], including freedom of expression and information,” said the Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of democratic values and transparency.
“It will promote fact-checking and improve our ability to better understand the dissemination of disinformation online,” she added.
The observatory is based in Florence, within the European University Institute.
“The past few months have once again demonstrated the serious and detrimental consequences that disinformation can have on our health, society, and economies. The observatory will serve as an important point of reference to combat, expose, understand, and analyze disinformation activities in Europe,” added Thierry Breton, the Internal Market Commissioner.
The observatory will examine the reasons behind fake news, as well as techniques and methods used in online disinformation through targeted research.
Users will be able to access EDMO’s secure platform to verify facts and collaborate with other users.
