Informed individuals are central to democratic debates. It is therefore essential for people to have access to diverse, evidence-based, and independent sources of information, along with the freedom to engage in open dialogue.
In this regard, the deliberate spread of false or misleading information constitutes a threat, as it distorts facts and undermines trust in public institutions and democratic processes. In this context countries have realised the need to tackle this phenomenon in a coordinated and coherent way, whilst safeguarding freedom of expression.