In this edition, we explore how Europe is hardening digital governance through state strategies, expanding civil litigation, tracking domestic influence operations, and forcing greater accountability on AI and tech platforms.Because this defense rests on civil society, the democratic news ecosystem needs adequate funding. As MFF discussions move forward, we propose creating an independent endowment to provide long-term, flexible funding for this essential work.
This edition captures a moment of active escalation, where both grassroots civic actors and state legislatures are drawing hard lines against digital manipulation. As the European Commission refines its DSA trusted flagger frameworks, the fight against foreign interference takes a historic turn with new constitutional parameters enabling election annulments. We also unpack the reality behind Kremlin-linked narrative laundering machinery, the impact of synthetic media on military flashpoints, and why the future of European-made verification tools remains critically underfunded.
This edition maps a landscape where the gap between regulatory ambition and real-world enforcement remains the central storyline. From the European Commission’s long-awaited decision on X under the DSA to the arrest of Dutch intermediaries linked to the Doppelganger operation, accountability is slowly but visibly catching up with those exploiting Europe’s digital infrastructure for hybrid purposes. Health disinformation networks are meanwhile recycling COVID-era playbooks to exploit hantavirus fears, the Digital Fairness Act signals fresh regulatory ambition on addictive platform design, and progress on DSA data access for researchers remains frustratingly slow.
As accountability takes centre stage, this edition examines mounting pressure on EU institutions and platforms alike: from the Ombudsman’s maladministration finding against the Commission to fresh DSA enforcement actions targeting Meta and X. We also look at how AI tools are raising new safety and governance concerns, how foreign interference is shrinking civic space from Zambia to Alberta, and how monetisation systems continue to fuel disinformation ecosystems. Throughout, a common thread emerges: the gap between regulatory ambition and real-world enforcement remains wide, and closing it requires both strong institutions and an empowered civil society.
We also examine how platform design, monetisation systems, and AI are reshaping information risks, while coordinated influence operations and strategic narratives continue to shape political, geopolitical, and climate debates.
As enforcement moves to the forefront of the fight against disinformation, this edition looks at growing pressure on platforms through legal action, investigations, and national policy responses, highlighting the gap between ambition and implementation.
We also examine how platform design, monetisation systems, and AI are reshaping information risks, while coordinated influence operations and strategic narratives continue to shape political, geopolitical, and climate debates.
As political and informational pressures intensify across Europe, patterns of change are emerging. This edition explores shifting dynamics around elections, accountability and platform power, from developments in Hungary to evolving approaches to enforcement and oversight in the EU. We also examine the growing impact of AI-driven manipulation, coordinated influence operations, and the expanding role of civil society and regulators in defending information integrity.
European courts are beginning to activate the Digital Services Act. This edition looks at key rulings against Meta and X, the growing role of courts and civil society in enforcing platform rules, and new challenges from generative AI, election interference, and climate disinformation.
European courts are beginning to activate the Digital Services Act. This edition looks at key rulings against Meta and X, the growing role of courts and civil society in enforcing platform rules, and new challenges from generative AI, election interference, and climate disinformation.
Enforcement under the DSA is advancing across EU institutions, national courts and regulators, though implementation gaps persist, while civil society remains central to accountability.Meanwhile, AI-driven disinformation is taking new forms, extending far beyond deepfakes into everyday influence, personalised persuasion and synthetic relationships.
This edition focuses on three priorities: securing sustainable EU funding for counter-disinformation work, strengthening enforcement of the Digital Services Act, and tracking new national initiatives across Member States. As civil society faces mounting pressure, the focus shifts from policy design to implementation and long-term resilience.
