START OF THE BATTLE WITH DISINFORMATION

WHEN WE WILL START TO SPEAK ABOUT THE NEED?

The entire debate related to the plan published on 24 July by the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia aimed to counter the increasing danger from manipulation with information, caused an avalanche of reactions. As usual, some of them support, and some of them criticize.

Let’s make it plain at the start, it was clearly indicated that this is a draft action plan who will be put to a wide debate, where all stakeholders will be able to give their remarks and proposals for its improvement.

We didn’t hear at any moment that the plan will be on Government’s agenda tomorrow and that it will be adopted.

Strangely, but many media, journalists, professional associations at first reacted as if the plan has been already adopted and put to implementation. However, this is not so strange taking into consideration the period 2006-2017 when the Government did not open debate, but published an action plan and the next day started to implement it.

Why we cannot debate about the need of some plan for fighting disinformation, whether disinformation (as global problem) are good or bad for the society, which of these measures have been undertaken and implemented in other countries and how?

Therefore, there are several issues that can be debated calmly, inclusively and without sensationalism.

How the ones that should promote the values behave? Exactly opposite to the latter, some of them reacted without even reading the text, some of them started lecturing, while others prepared to “watch” when the day will come “to censure and to close portals”.

Here are some initial issues for thought:

1. Is this threat relevant for the Republic of North Macedonia?

2. Is there a need for an institutional response and a plan for fighting this global threat?

3. Are the media part of the solution or part of the problem?

4. Who will be benefitting and who will be losing from the efficient fight against disinformation?

If it is too complicated, let me make it simple, to speak about THE NEED. That conversation will provide many answers.

Here are some links: medium.com, NATO StratCom, EU External Action, check them, and we can start to talk.

It is sad to see how one call for debate for joint fight against disinformation/fake news turns into a disinformation narrative and lead us on the way from where there is no turning back.

P.S. Those who crave the public attention cannot excuse themselves and be exempt.

A.M.D.

28.07.2019