Informed individuals are central to democratic debates. It is therefore essential for people to have access to plural 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.