Disinformation has emerged as one of the defining political challenges of the twenty-first century, profoundly affecting democratic governance, public trust, electoral integrity, and the effective protection of human rights. The rapid expansion of social media, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence has transformed the production and dissemination of information, creating unprecedented opportunities for political participation while simultaneously amplifying manipulation, polarization, and democratic instability.
This Open Panel examines the relationship between disinformation, democracy, governance, and human rights from a comparative and interdisciplinary political science perspective. It seeks to explore how disinformation reshapes political institutions, public opinion, electoral competition, and policy-making, while raising fundamental questions concerning freedom of expression, access to information, equality, privacy, media freedom, and the protection of vulnerable groups.
The panel welcomes theoretical, empirical, comparative, and interdisciplinary contributions addressing topics including, but not limited to:
* disinformation and democratic resilience;
* elections and electoral integrity;
* digital platforms and platform governance;
* artificial intelligence and algorithmic accountability;
* political communication and public opinion;
* media literacy and digital citizenship;
* regulatory responses to disinformation;
* comparative public policies;
* international and regional governance;
* human rights and constitutional responses to digital disinformation.
Particular attention will be given to the challenge of developing effective responses to disinformation without undermining democratic freedoms or the protection of fundamental rights. Contributors are encouraged to examine the opportunities and risks associated with different regulatory models, institutional arrangements, and governance strategies adopted across jurisdictions.
The panel also encourages discussions inspired by the concept of a culture of peace, emphasizing dialogue, inclusion, critical media literacy, democratic participation, and respect for human dignity as essential foundations for building resilient, pluralistic, and peaceful societies. Rather than viewing disinformation exclusively through the lens of regulation or security, the panel seeks to foster broader reflections on how democratic institutions, civil society, education, and international cooperation can contribute to strengthening trust, protecting human rights, and promoting democratic coexistence in the digital age.
By bringing together scholars from different regions, disciplines, and methodological traditions, the panel aims to advance comparative research on one of the most pressing issues confronting contemporary democracies and the future of human rights.