The Centre for Research and Studies in Sociology (CIES-Iscte) hosted the conference “Disinformation and Democracy” at Iscte – University Institute of Lisbon, devoted to academic reflection on the impacts of disinformation on the public sphere and on contemporary democratic regimes.
The conference was held as part of the activities of the Upstream Project, a research and innovation initiative developed in partnership by PÚBLICO and MediaLab Iscte, and funded by the European Media and Information Fund (EMIF), which is currently in its final phase. The project aims to strengthen analytical and response capacities to disinformation through the early identification of manipulative narratives and the development of prebunking strategies, complementing traditional fact-checking practices.
The event brought together researchers, journalists, and experts from different fields, fostering dialogue between scientific research and journalistic practice.
Key topics under discussion included critical perspectives on the concept of “fake news,” the challenges faced by journalism within the digital information ecosystem, and the importance of preventive approaches to combating disinformation, with particular emphasis on strengthening media literacy.
The conference featured contributions from José Moreno, a researcher at Iscte and member of the Upstream Project, and Gustavo Cardoso, Full Professor at Iscte and also a project researcher.
The closing session was delivered by historian and political commentator José Pacheco Pereira, who reflected on the relationship between freedom of expression, disinformation, and techniques of information manipulation.
By hosting this conference, CIES-Iscte reaffirmed its commitment to the production of scientific knowledge and to the promotion of spaces for critical reflection that bring academia, the media, and society closer together.
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⭢ Desinformação, polarização e desafio à democracia marcam debate do PÚBLICO e do Iscte
