The continuity of prominent disinformation narratives is observed, while the fast-developing AI technologies exacerbate information manipulation across the region.
The second report on state of disinformation in the SEE region gives an update on the topics, trends, relevant actors and tactics employed in producing and spreading false and misleading content that were reported a year ago.
The updated report shows a continuity of disinformation narratives, with many of the same actors continuing to deploy falsehoods and well‑worn tactics to shape public perceptions of current events. These actors repeatedly recycle familiar misleading claims and narratives – often repackaging them around emerging topics to maintain influence over audiences and distort the information environment.
Across the region there was a notable increase in climate change denial, as well as a rise in many of the antigender narratives that seek to frame gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights as part of harmful external agendas.
A surge in conspiracy theories linked to digital currencies was also observed, exploiting distrust of institutions and technology to further the narratives about “population control”.
These narratives were frequently tied to broader anti‑Western frames and used events such as elections, environmental protests, and major global discussions as entry points for spreading climate skepticism and social‑issue disinformation, often fueling local ethno-nationalist agendas.
The fact‑checkers in the region remained active and agile, responding to false claims and emerging narratives with timely debunks and research. Fact‑checking organizations continued to monitor, analyze, and counter disinformation while also innovating in their approaches to reach broader audiences and strengthen information integrity. At the same time, the backlash against fact‑checking continued and intensified, with some actors portraying fact‑checkers as biased or censorial, and in some cases targeting them with harassment and professional attacks.
The report is published within the project “SEE Check Network – Fighting Disinformation and Misinformation Through a Network of Fact-checkers” funded by the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author(s), and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Read the full report here.
