An editor wearing a face mask works in the control room at C5N news TV channel on April 17, 2020 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

An editor wearing a face mask works in the control room at C5N news TV channel on April 17, 2020 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. © Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images

Focus

The Infodemic

Years active: 2020-present

Disinformation, fake news and propaganda are emerging as among the most powerful threats of the modern age. Facilitated by new forms of media and spread by governments and non-state actors alike, these potent tools have far-reaching consequences for human rights and media freedoms around the world.

IWPR’s global networks of reporters, activists and rights defenders are working to document, expose and build resilience to this growing danger.

Latest on the infodemic

A pro-Russian rally in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek. Kremlin's propaganda dominates in Central Asia, where Russian mass media, mainly TV channels, are the main source of information.

A pro-Russian rally in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek. Kremlin's propaganda dominates in Central Asia, where Russian mass media, mainly TV channels, are the main source of information. © Kundemi.kg

Project Highlight

Central Asian’s Vulnerability to Russian Propaganda

International discussion hears that response must be as complex and varied as disinformation itself.

Project Highlight

Moldova: From Village to Village

Project trains people in more isolated areas how to identify and combat fake news.

Telegram app used on a smartphone.

Telegram app used on a smartphone. © Carl Court/Getty Images

How Azerbaijan’s Telegram Channels Fuel Intimidation

With little oversight, toxic disinformation and threats thrive on the encrypted platform.

Konstantin, a pensioner from Moldova's autonomous region of Gagauzia, watches a report about the announcement of "partial mobilization" for the war against Ukraine on pro-Kremlin channel Rossiya 24.

Konstantin, a pensioner from Moldova's autonomous region of Gagauzia, watches a report about the announcement of "partial mobilization" for the war against Ukraine on pro-Kremlin channel Rossiya 24. © Piotr Garchu/IWPR

Russian Propaganda Dominates Moldova’s Gagauzia

Pro-Kremlin narratives rule the information space in an autonomous region with deeply rooted ties to Moscow.

Kyrgyzstan’s Troll Farms

Politicians exploit low media literacy to manipulate public opinion.

IWPR's partner, Association of Independent Press, has trained citizens in more isolated, rural areas of Moldova – who often remain particularly vulnerable to manipulation - in how to identify and counter disinformation.

IWPR's partner, Association of Independent Press, has trained citizens in more isolated, rural areas of Moldova – who often remain particularly vulnerable to manipulation - in how to identify and counter disinformation. © Association of Independent Press (API)

Project Highlight

Moldovan Journalists Explain High Cost of Disinformation

Media literacy seminars in more remote parts of the country highlight danger of fake news.

IWPR’s local partner in Moldova, the Association of Independent Press (API), held two seminars in May and June 2022 as part of a project supporting Moldovan media’s resilience to disinformation following Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. The project is funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

IWPR’s local partner in Moldova, the Association of Independent Press (API), held two seminars in May and June 2022 as part of a project supporting Moldovan media’s resilience to disinformation following Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. The project is funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). © IWPR

Project Highlight

Moldovan Media Learn New Skills to Build Resilience

Programme provides emergency response to fighting fake news surrounding the Ukraine conflict.

Infographic on Belarusian media and extremism 1/9.

Infographic on Belarusian media and extremism 1/9.

Belarus’ Crackdown on Media Continues

Regime uses accusations of extremism to silence dissenting voices – and intimidate news consumers.

Nika Gvaramia, editor-in-chief of TV Mtavari Arkhi, was sentenced to three and half years in jail on charges of abuse of power while serving as director of Rustavi 2, an independent broadcaster he ran until 2019. He is shown during a protest held in 2017 in support of Rustavi 2, whose ownership was changed by Georgia's the Supreme Court in 2017.

Nika Gvaramia, editor-in-chief of TV Mtavari Arkhi, was sentenced to three and half years in jail on charges of abuse of power while serving as director of Rustavi 2, an independent broadcaster he ran until 2019. He is shown during a protest held in 2017 in support of Rustavi 2, whose ownership was changed by Georgia's the Supreme Court in 2017. © Courtesy of N Gvaramia

Jailing of Georgian Media Owner Raises Questions on Press Freedom

Nika Gvaramia imprisoned for abuse of power in a sentence largely seen as a retaliation for his criticism of the ruling party.

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