Disinformation, fake news and cybersecurity in times of pandemic

The current situation we are living in due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the confinement of the majority of the population, who have started to spend more time at home and, therefore, more time online. Most contacts established, even with those closest to us, are now made through video calls, audiovisual and online media, also increasing the use of social networks. Disinformation, fake news and cybersecurity are increasingly dominant themes, in an environment of unrest and uncertainty where information proliferates that can cause harm not only socially, but also in terms of public health.

It is in this context that GILM – Informal Group on Media Literacy is holding the 8th edition of the “7 Days with Media” initiative from May 3rd to 9th, this year without leaving home, of which the FCT Safe Internet Center is a partner. At a time when the media is almost the only way to access the world, what is happening and what surrounds the population, its role becomes even more fundamental. In this way, this initiative challenges citizens and institutions to promote some form of action, reflection and/or discussion about the media, its performance 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” that will also be launched around the themes of disinformation, fake news and cybersecurity.

The initiative has the support of the Centre 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 Regulatory Authority for Social Communication , 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