Hidden hazards: Disinformation and waste in Hungary's battery boom Background Explore the untold environmental and health risks of Hungary's rapidly growing battery industry. Our 2024 Climate Disinformation Fellow Péter Vigh uncovers government data that reveals the widespread presence of hazardous waste, raising serious concerns about the sustainability of an industry vital to the green transition. With battery production set to shape Hungary’s future, why are the dangers being kept in the dark? By Péter Vigh
Riots and rumours: How the digital far-right is fuelling Britain’s immigration debate Commentary When three girls were killed in Southport, the reactionary digital right proved adept at exploiting the horror. The rioters are quickly being punished, writes Ros Taylor, but the new government needs to recognise the ease with which lies spread in the new digital ecosystem and be frank and transparent about its own approach to immigration. By Ros Taylor
The European Parliament elections will serve as a litmus test for the fight against disinformation Analysis The upcoming European Parliament elections are set to be a critical test in the fight against disinformation. With new regulations and AI challenges, how will Europe ensure election integrity? By Drew Mitnick and Zora Siebert
Flood of disinformation – Southern Brazil climate emergency aggravated by disinformation Analysis Three weeks ago, Brazilians stood by in astonishment as they witnessed yet another example of a climate emergency: the damage caused by the rains in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil's southernmost state, bordering Uruguay and Argentina. According to the authorities, in a statement released on May 20, 146 deaths and 131 missing people were recorded and more than 81,000 people are still in shelters. 2.3 million people were affected in 463 of the state’s 497 cities. Today, the day this article is being written, the rain has returned heavily to Porto Alegre, the state capital. In addition to these shocking figures, which cannot reflect the immeasurable suffering involved, the tragedy has also fostered another phenomenon of our times that is very devastating: disinformation. By Manoela Vianna
Countering online risks in a ‘Super Election Year’: Why the EU and Africa need each other Analysis The European Union should work together with partners in Africa to secure electoral systems against cyberattacks and to prevent the spread of false and misleading information. This is also in line with European interests and values. By Sabine Muscat and Cayley Clifford
3 Questions on what a positive digital future could look like to Payal Arora 3 Questions In this super election year, concerns loom over how artificial intelligence might impact elections worldwide. Technology’s advances, coupled with the potential misuse of bad actors, are a real threat. However, there are intriguing contrasts in attitudes towards AI and the use of technology between Europe and the Global South. Prof. Dr. Payal Arora, Chair of Inclusive AI Cultures at the Department of Media & Culture Studies at Utrecht University, challenges prevailing narratives of techno-pessimism. She offers a nuanced perspective on the transformative potential of technology within inclusive frameworks. Zora Siebert asked her three key questions. By Zora Siebert and Payal Arora
Uncovering climate disinformation Dossier Uncover the battle against one of our era's greatest challenges – climate change. This dossier unravels the web of falsehoods obstructing climate action initiatives, and delves into the work of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung's Climate Disinformation Media Fellows. We expose the pervasive myths and misinformation campaigns hindering our collective efforts to address the urgent climate crisis. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Washington, DC
How platforms are responding to EU regulations to prevent climate disinformation Event recording This webinar with EU DisinfoLab took place on 16 April 2024, with Devin Bahceci, expert from the Climate Action Against Disinformation (CAAD), who shared his insights on how platforms have responded to the EU regulations to prevent climate disinformation. By EU DisinfoLab and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union
CALL: Climate Disinformation Media Fellowships 2024 (Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Washington, DC) Fellowship With this media fellowship, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Washington, DC gives a select number of US- or Canada based journalists the opportunity for on-the-ground reporting on climate disinformation case studies in North America. The articles will be published as part of a Böll dossier on battling climate disinformation. Deadline for applications: Wednesday, 15 May 2024. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Washington, DC
The media and the far-right: a dangerous liaison worth breaking Analysis News outlets have a complex love-hate relationship with the far right, marked by antagonism and mutual benefit. Far-right specialist Cas Mudde shares a few simple tips on how to inform citizens without falling into the traps of laziness, manipulation and connivance. By Cas Mudde