Propaganda and disinformation are embedded in the way we consume information every day. Algorithms amplify lies, emotions drive engagement, and societies splinter under the weight of manipulation. At WEXFO 2025 in Lillehammer, four leading voices shared why awareness and resilience are critical for democracy.
The reflections from Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and journalist from the Philippines, Paolo Cesarini, digital policy expert from Italy, Agnese Lace, Minister of Culture in Latvia, and Nina Jankowicz, disinformation researcher from the United States, underline the scale of the challenge and the urgent need for resilience.
Maria Ressa warns about the power of tech-driven propaganda:
“With this new tech, you can say a lie a million times. A lie told a million times becomes a fact. If you lace it with fear, anger and hate, it will spread even faster.”
Paolo Cesarini highlights how disinformation undermines reflection:
“Disinformation aims to create confusion and divisions in societies. This fast-food consumption of entertainment and information does not serve the purpose of individual growth.”
Agnese Lace shares perspectives on information warfare affecting Latvia, a country bordering Russia:
“Providing trustworthy information in various languages is important so that we all realize what is actually going on in the world.”
Combating propaganda and disinformation requires critical thinking, media literacy, and a commitment to truth. Nina Jankowicz stresses education as a defense:
“One of the most important things that democracies need to invest in to protect themselves from disinformation is information literacy. If you feel yourself getting emotional because of something you’ve seen online, you might be being manipulated.”
Watch the full video in the frame below the heading.
