The increasing complexity of the information ecosystem makes disinformation a security challenge. Especially social media channels offer malign actors unprecedented opportunities for information operations. How to protect democratic and open societies from the harmful effects of targeted disinformation campaigns is a question that requires a policy response both on the level of individual states and international organizations such as the EU and NATO.

This event took place on 26 October 2023 and addressed three sets of questions: EU and NATO’s approaches to disinformation and how Finland’s NATO accession is likely to impact the information environment for the country; how media literacy can improve overall societal resilience and how young people are specifically targeted by disinformation; and finally, Russia’s strategies of using disinformation as a tool to influence target countries. 

PROGRAMME:

Speakers:

• Maksym Yakovlyev, Head of Department of International Relations, Director of School for Policy Analysis, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy;
• Johanna Vehkoo, Journalist;
• Tomass Pildegovičs, Senior Expert, NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence;
• Yara Tag-Eldeen, Analyst, Psychological Defence Agency of Sweden;
• Moderator: Minna Ålander, Research Fellow, FIIA.