Information wars

How Meta’s fact-checking shift threatens human rights

Meta ended its US fact-checking programmes in January and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, said he would work with US President Donald Trump to push back on censorship around the world, including in Europe.

This content was published on Feb 14, 2025 By scrapping its fact-checking programme, Meta risks harming already marginalised populations.

Three people, seen from below, hold smartphones while standing behind a concrete barrier against a clear blue sky.

Digital Democracy

Social media fragmentation: do online platforms drown democracy in noise?

This content was published on Feb 10, 2025 With online platforms under pressure and AI set to flood the internet with content, is it all over for the ideal of a harmonious digital public sphere?

Since the war in Ukraine, disinformation has focused on spreading false claims about Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky. The primary aim is to undermine support for Ukraine in the international community and to discourage aid, by portraying the Ukrainian president as someone who supposedly misuses Western assistance for personal gain.

Swiss diplomacy

How Switzerland is caught up in Russia’s propaganda machine

This content was published on Jan 27, 2025 Switzerland’s neutrality has not prevented it from becoming the target of fake news and propaganda from Moscow. An explainer.

January 6, 2021: supporters of Donald Trump break through security and storm into the symbolic heart of US democracy, the Capitol in Washington.

Global elections

Why some people turn to authoritarianism in the name of freedom

This content was published on Jan 25, 2025 Sociologists Carolin Amlinger and Oliver Nachtwey explain the sometimes surprising origins of a new type of anti-democratic figure.

person with hands behind their back carrying a camera

Global elections

What does 2025 hold in store for democracy around the world?

This content was published on Dec 28, 2024 Disinformation, election manipulation and online hate are unlikely to disappear – but some signs of hope for democracy can still be found.

Are direct democracies more vulnerable to disinformation?

The wave of disinformation is expected to particularly affect direct democracies such as Switzerland or many US states.

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Dec 5, 2024

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Global elections

Will Moldova vote to join the EU despite Russia’s influence?

This content was published on Oct 4, 2024 On October 20, Moldova will vote on EU accession. How will the referendum turn out in a country with many Russia sympathisers?

A deepfake image, created by AI, portrays Kamala Harris as a communist dictator.

Information wars

US disinformation surge rings alarm bells for Swiss direct democracy

This content was published on Sep 26, 2024 Like the United States, Swiss direct democracy is vulnerable to the same disinformation tactics that threaten voters around the world.

Father and daughter in front of a computer.

Information wars

Swiss found to be gullible regarding fake news

This content was published on Sep 2, 2024 The Swiss do not seem to be particularly good at separating truth from lies, according to an OECD study.

Are you trying to avoid news? Why?

Are you very interested in news or a “news avoider”? Why do you think overall interest in news is falling? Have your say on the issue here.

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Jun 20, 2024

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Information wars

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Information wars

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How Meta’s fact-checking shift threatens human rights

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Social media fragmentation: do online platforms drown democracy in noise?

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How Switzerland is caught up in Russia’s propaganda machine

More

Why some people turn to authoritarianism in the name of freedom

More

What does 2025 hold in store for democracy around the world?

More

Are direct democracies more vulnerable to disinformation?

More

Will Moldova vote to join the EU despite Russia’s influence?

More

US disinformation surge rings alarm bells for Swiss direct democracy

More

Swiss found to be gullible regarding fake news

More

Are you trying to avoid news? Why?

Popular Stories

Most Discussed