Publications

Over the past two years, the Bertelsmann Stiftung has investigated the challenges and dynamics surrounding disinformation from various angles. In this ‘food for thought’ paper, we highlight our 10 key recommendations to increase resilience, curb disinformation, and...

The complexities of social, political, and economic landscapes in Latin America pose both challenges and opportunities in countering disinformation. Shared language fosters communication yet exposes vulnerabilities to coordinated disinformation campaigns leveraging cultural...

In 2024, as 64 countries prepare for elections, including 17 African nations, the threat of disinformation looms large, posing a significant challenge to democracy, peace, and security. This report, prepared by four authors from CIPESA, focuses on four African countries: the...

In American politics, disinformation has a long tradition, but its corrosive effects have only recently become a salient political issue. The spread of disinformation is intensified as consumers shift their news consumption from local outlets to large online platforms with...

Disinformation is spread in every part of the world. In this comparative report, we analyse similarities and differences based on a 6-part international research series commissioned and supported by the Upgrade Democracy team between 2023-2024 under the theme “strengthening...

The spread of disinformation in Europe poses a significant threat to democratic processes and trust in media and democratic institutions. To address this issue, effective regulation and support from the European Union and member state governments are essential. Various...

Our information ecosystem is under pressure, challenging democracies around the world. Digital disinformation reaches millions of people with devasting effects: online campaigns turned into hate-motivated violent attacks in Christchurch, Halle an der Saale, and El Paso;...

The upcoming 2024 EU elections present an important moment for digital campaigning, the governance of online discourses – and the overall future of Europe. A key challenge will come in the form of disinformation campaigns, hate speech and attempts to manipulate public...

The major social platforms have created private spheres of communication that they control through their terms of use and their algorithm-driven moderation practices. Their influence on social discourse and public opinion has grown significantly. Yet should these processes...