Disinformation, fake news and cybersecurity in times of pandemic

The current situation in which we live due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the confinement of the majority of the population, who spend more time at home and, consequently, more time online. Most contacts, even with those closest to us, are now made via video calls, audiovisual media and online, and the use of social media has also intensified. Disinformation, fake news and cybersecurity are increasingly dominant themes, in an environment of unease and uncertainty where information proliferates that can cause damage not only to society, but also to public health.

It is in this context that GILM - the Informal Group on Media Literacy - is holding the 8th edition of the "7 Days with the Media" initiative from May 3 to 9, this year without leaving home, in which the FCT's Safe Internet Center is a partner. At a time when the media is almost the only way of accessing the world, what happens and what surrounds the population, its role becomes even more fundamental. As such, this initiative challenges citizens and institutions to promote some form of action, reflection and/or discussion about the media, its actions and effects on individual and collective life.

In addition to making proposals and sharing their materials and activities, participants can also take part in the "GILM Challenges" which will also be launched around the themes of disinformation, fake news and cybersecurity.

The initiative has the support of the Center for Communication and Society Studies, the UNESCO National Commission, the National Education Council, the Directorate-General for Education, the Directorate-General for Books, Archives and Libraries, the Media Regulatory Authority, the National Reading Plan, the School Libraries Network, RTP, the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Media, Information and Literacy Observatory.

More information in 7 days with the Media