01/10/2024 Session
Propaganda can be used to manipulate public opinion and threaten our common values and human dignity, as well as the proper functioning of our democratic systems, impairing the development of free opinions and informed citizen participation in public debate and decision making, the Assembly said today.
Adopting a resolution based on the report prepared by Stefan Schennach (Austria, SOC) the parliamentarians stressed the need to address harmful propaganda effectively and in a more co-ordinated way. They called on States not to confine their response to restrictions, which could become a tool to silence critical voices and opposition, but rather to develop holistic strategies which safeguard freedom of expression and freedom of information. “The challenge that democratic States must meet is neutralising harmful propaganda while preserving the right to freedom of expression, including media freedom and pluralism”, the adopted text underlines.
The role of independent regulators, the collaboration of the media and internet sectors and an independent and pluralistic media landscape, including adequately resourced public service media, are fundamental to counter harmful propaganda and uphold a democratic society.
According to the adopted text, it is crucial to build trust in institutions and that the public is provided with reliable information on matters of public interest. Transparency of media ownership and financial sources must be enhanced, and equal access to information and media, as well as information literacy, must be fostered.