- Priority Area Boosting Fact-checking Activities in Europe
- Funding Round / Action Types 6th Funding Round – Urgent Actions
- Year 2024
- Country Latvia
- Project Status Ongoing
The project “Fighting the hybrid war in Latvia 2024” aims to address the vulnerability of Russian-speaking minorities to disinformation, given their post-Soviet past and proximity to Russia. It targets socially and economically active Latvian audiences, particularly those in rural areas, and Russian-speaking audiences locally and abroad. Our goal is to combat disinformation by providing reliable news, enhancing fact-checking capacity, and reaching critical audiences. Recognizing the prevalence of misinformation among older generations lacking the skills to discern false information, we aim to use the internet, especially the widely visited Delfi.lv portal, to disseminate articles debunking misinformation.
Acknowledging the vulnerability of the Russian-speaking population, particularly post the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we aim to establish Delfi.lv RUS as a credible and popular source of information to counter disinformation. Highlighting the lack of AI techniques for detecting false information in Latvia, we emphasize the reliance on human resources for fact-checking. Strengthening cooperation with the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) is crucial. This allows the translation and distribution of articles in English and Russian, broadening our reach and enhancing the fight against disinformation campaigns.
Our outlined activities include exposing disinformation related to Russia, Belarus, and the war in Ukraine, along with cases on local Latvia topics. Strengthening cooperation with the IFCN, disseminating articles to Latvian and Russian audiences, and raising awareness through advertisements, social media posts, and online discussions are key elements.
