Digital Governance, Gender Equality, and Fake News: Dissemination of Gendered Disinformation in Central and Eastern Europe.

Principle Investigator：Katarzyna Szpargała

Due to the ubiquitous use of digital technologies in international politics and the everyday lives of citizens, disinformation has become one of the major global risks anticipated over the next few years. False information, whether spread with malign intent (disinformation) or not (misinformation), might widen socio-political division and undermine the state’s security and democracy. Because of the rapid development of digital tools and platforms that enhance the ability and probability of manipulating news, data, or images, there has been a growth of disinformation worldwide, including so-called gendered disinformation. The increasing visibility of women in the public sphere, information disorder, distrust in media organizations, and socio-political polarization impact the rise of gendered disinformation.

As for Central and Eastern Europe, the region has undergone numerous socio-political transformations, which have impacted contemporary gender equality and media policies. While the majority of CEE countries have recognized the problem of disinformation, gendered disinformation is not viewed as harmful in the way that disinformation about domestic, regional, or EU politics is.

Thus, this research strives to strengthen the understanding of the diverse typologies, narratives, and approaches associated with gendered disinformation through the examination of Central and Eastern European countries’ national strategic framework as well as digital and gender equality policy. Firstly, the impact, reach, and manifestation of gendered disinformation within the specific socio-cultural contexts of the region will be analyzed. Secondly, the countries’ response to gendered disinformation, including national and EU politics such as digital platform regulations and cybersecurity will be scrutinized.