Acronym: EDMO BELUX 2.0
Title: European Digital Media and Disinformation Observatory for Belgium and Luxembourg
Call: DIGITAL-2023-DEPLOY-04
Topic: DIGITAL-2023-DEPLOY-04-EDMO-HUBS
EU nr: 101158785
Period: 30 months - 01/05/2024- 31/10/2026
Project Budget: 1,299,899.67 €
VUB budget: 172,066.70 €
Contact: Prof. Dr. Trisha Meyer,
Brussels School of Governance, Research Centre for Digitalisation, Democracy and Innovation (CD2I)
At ERIS we had a chance to talk to Trisha and asked her 2 questions:
What is EDMO BELUX 2.0 about?
Trisha: This project builds on EDMO BELUX 1.0 which ended in March 2024. EDMO BELUX 2.0 provides strong contributions to the detection and countering of disinformation, the monitoring of platform moderation policies and practices, the independence and pluralism of media outlets, and capacity building among professionals and citizens, in turbulent democratic times.
Can you explain a bit the context behind this?
During the EDMO BELUX 1.0 project, we observed that the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic was marked by the spread of conspiracy theories and rise of radicalised communities. At the time of writing this proposal, there was a noticeable increase in demonstrations and instances of arson in Belgian schools, largely driven by the surge in disinformation. The political reaction has been an advisory to parents "to disconnect from social media to avoid disinformation", underscoring the urgency of the hub's mission in fostering a more comprehensive policy response. With this continuation bid, EDMO BELUX 2.0, will expand its ongoing community engagement by reaching out to wide audiences across the different regions. In fact-checking, we reinforced our contribution to German-speaking media with the involvement of the German press agency. In media literacy, the European media literacy organization and the Belgian Association of Professional Journalists joined to coordinate journalist visits to classrooms and provide media literacy training to journalists and teachers.
It is the aim to set up high-profile events, such as lunch lectures, multidisciplinary workshops, networking events and public authority exchange forums, which will put EDMO BELUX 2.0 on the agenda in a recurring manner. In this way, the consortium will foster dialogue on evolving disinformation phenomena and disseminate project results. Following from the above, the project will as such expand the range and scope of its media literacy initiatives, interfacing directly with citizens’ needs.
Why is EDMO BELUX 2.0 important for VUB?
Trisha: The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) as a leading university in Brussels, known for its strong academic and social commitment brings its expertise in EU affairs, AI ethics, collaborative design, and combating online disinformation. The Brussels School of Governance (BSoG) at VUB is a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence and a policy think tank focusing on various EU-related fields, benefiting the project with its interdisciplinary research. The Research Centre for Digitalisation, Democracy and Innovation (CD2I) at VUB specialized in the digital transformation of governance, including tackling disinformation already produced significant work on disinformation, including books and reports for UNESCO, ITU, and to the European Parliament. Thus, its engagement and commitment to led impact research will now be continued in EDMO BELUX 2.0. Being a coordinator in tandem with UCLouvain, VUB -together with its consortium- will contribute to community building activities and conduct research to have a better understanding of the policy and societal impact of platform responses to disinformation.
AIM (WHAT)
EDMO BELUX 2.0 is a multidisciplinary hub that brings together fact-checkers, media, disinformation analysts, media literacy organisations and academics to monitor and mitigate disinformation in Belgium and Luxembourg. It broadens and deepens the first iteration of this multinational and multistakeholder network, building on a strong track record of detecting, analysing and exposing emerging harmful disinformation relevant to the Belgian and Luxembourgish context. Through extensive communication and community efforts, we reach first responders to disinformation (media, civil society, government) and interested audiences.
METHODOLOGY (HOW)
With our fact-checks, investigative reports and monitoring studies, we minimise the reach and impact of disinformation. Further, EDMO BELUX media literacy campaigns, interventions and trainings raise awareness and build resilience among citizens and professionals, enhancing understanding of media processes and disinformation flows.
IMPACT (WHY)
Finally, through its analysis of the impact of disinformation and platform responses, the hub supports a multidisciplinary community seeking to safeguard democratic processes in Belgium and Luxembourg.