Misinformation, fake news, and cybersecurity in times of pandemic

The current situation we are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the confinement of most of the population, who are now spending more time at home and, consequently, more time online. Most contact, even with those closest to us, is now conducted through video calls, audiovisual and online media, with the use of social media also intensifying. Misinformation, fake news, and cybersecurity are increasingly dominant issues in an environment of unrest 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 – 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, 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 its effects on individual and collective life.

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

The initiative has the support of the Center for Communication and Society Studies, the National Commission for UNESCO, 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 Library Network, RTP, the General SecretariatGeneral Secretariat of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, and the Media, Information, and Literacy Observatory.

More information in 7 days with the media