Disinformation: ADC shares Latin American experience

On December 5 and 6, the Asociación por los Derechos Civiles (Association for Civil Rights – ADC) attended an online event addressing and tackling disinformation held by the Bertelsmann Stiftung Foundation through its Upgrade Democracy project. Alejandro Segarra, deputy director of our organization, referred to the scenario in Argentina and Latin America, highlighting the importance of the meeting in Buenos Aires that gathered experts from the region a few days before.

“People from over ten countries came together and agreed on the necessity for more of these meetings. Not only are they opportunities for encounter, but they serve to enhance a sort of communion between civil society, digital experts, and academia as well. And the timing was ideal,” said Mr Segarra. He also pointed out that disinformation is an issue that affects the whole region and often originates elsewhere.

Our representative also stressed that “approaching false information must take the perspective of many disciplines, related not only to the legal and academic fields.” On the other hand, he mentioned the role of big platforms, the power governments have over them, and the feasibility of regulation.

The event showcased experiences in the combat against disinformation and its problems in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, as well as the strategies adopted in each region. The main focus was placed on how the issue evolves during elections, the chances for collaboration to tackle it, and the new challenge posed by the creation of fake news through artificial intelligence.