BFMI at the Italian Parliament: The disinformation economy is a threat to EU democracy and stability

Ahead of the EU elections, the Balkan Fee Media Initiative (BFMI) gathers key figures from around the world to call an end to the funding of disinformation at the Italian Parliament in Rome. BFMI's conference is a timely reminder to MEPs of the threat posed by Russia to EU security.

Rome, Italy – 29 February, 2024: The Balkan Free Media Initiative (BFMI) and the head of the Italian Delegation to NATO, Lorenzo Cesa, convened key figures from the Italian parliament, European media regulators, the media and advertising industries to discuss the need for Western brands to stop financing propaganda and disinformation through advertising spend. 

Leaders gathered worried that disinformation has become the new hybrid weapon that is dividing public opinion on polarised issues, and warned MEPs of the consequences this can have on eroding media freedom, stability, and democracy.

There was consensus that more needs to be done at an EU and national level to tackle disinformation, particularly ahead of the EU elections.

The Hon. Lorenzo Cesa (MP), said: “Amid major global conflicts the rise of disinformation is a growing threat to global stability. With Italy hosting this year’s G7 Summit, we must lead the free world in ringing the alarm on disinformation and safeguarding our democracy.”

Giacomo Lasorella, President of the Authority for Guarantees in Communications; (AGCOM), stated: “Disinformation is not theoretical, but a reality. In the Balkans we can clearly see the link between disinformation and instability. In this election year, we need a coordinated response from EU institutions and national governments to put the right mechanisms in place so platforms can take responsibility and stop disinformation.”

Alberto Baranchini, Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, stated: “The threat of disinformation in Italy is real: over the last two years, the number of fake headlines has grown exponentially. We can’t stop information from spreading but what we can do is ensure that the information that is being produced and coming out of Italy is of high quality and standards.”

Sarah Kay Wiley, Policy Director of Check My Ads Institute, stated: “Advertising is the lifeline of disinformation. Global brands and policymakers must demand transparency and accountability from advertising agencies and ad-tech companies to ensure that they are not monetising and amplifying disinformation.”

The event builds on BFMI’s report on ‘Defunding Disinformation in the Balkans,’ which showed how advertising revenues from global brands play a crucial role in funding media outlets that disseminate disinformation on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and other divisive issues in the Balkans. 

Antoinette Nikolova, Director of BFMI, said: “Global brands are sleepwalking into funding pro-Kremlin propaganda. Western Advertising companies have a duty to ensure their investments are not contributing to the erosion of stability and democracy. The European Parliament and policymakers must bolster their actions to stop the spread of disinformation. Whether it is in the Balkans or across Europe, the consequences will be the same. If we don’t act now, democracy will lose.”

The event featured a panel of experts from governments, regulators, the media and advertising sector, including:

·      Giacomo Lasorella, President of the Authority for Guarantees in Communications

·      Peter Horrocks CBE, from Ofcom and former Director of the BBC;

·      Sarah Kay Wiley, Director of Policy at Check My Ads Institute, USA;

·      Alberto Barachini, Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in Italy;

·      Stefano Mele, from the Italian Atlantic Committee;

·      Alessio De Giorgi, journalist, Il Riformista;

·      Maria Domenica Castellone, Vice President of Italian’s Senate of the Republic;

·      Flavia Giacobbe, Director of Formiche;      

·      Andrea Bonanni, former editor, La Repubblica.