MinDiShield – Combating online minority-related disinformation leading to radicalization and violent extremism

Combating online disinformation about ethnic minorities by promoting the dissemination of critical thinking through training of professionals and community leaders

Context

The media system in Europe is complex and constantly evolving, encompassing both traditional media (press, radio, TV) and digital media (websites, social media, apps). The media have a critical role in shaping public opinion and political and social debate, but the increasing fragmentation and spread of disinformation is contributing to phenomena such as polarization, populism and extremism. Digitalization has greatly expanded the scope of disinformation, facilitating the spread of hatred and stereotypes, especially against vulnerable groups and minorities. Technologies like artificial intelligence can exacerbate the problem, for example through algorithmic bias and targeted content that increases social divisions. Minorities are particularly exposed both as targets and recipients of disinformation, not least because of distrust of institutions and lack of access to reliable information. For this reason, countering disinformation is essential, but legislative measures alone are not enough. A key solution is media literacy (media education), that is, the ability to critically analyze information content. This skill helps recognize manipulation and fake news, reducing vulnerability to misinformation and radicalization. Accordingly, there is a need to strengthen media education programmes, both in schools and outside, with a particular focus on minorities and the most vulnerable groups, through targeted, inclusive and sustainable approaches in the long run.

Objectives

Enhance the media literacy skills of professionals (educators, social workers) and minority community leaders to counter misinformation and extremism and adapt to new media formats and consumption patterns.

Enhance critical thinking, awareness of disinformation, and the resilience of people from ethnic and religious minorities.

Ensure access to personalized, multilingual and multicultural information materials on the media landscape, disinformation and extremist messages.

Raise public awareness of how the image of ethnic minorities is being piloted to foster acceptance of community public policies

Activities

Collection of media literacy best practices focused on inoculation and pre-bunking

Comparative analysis of the level of awareness of ethnic and religious minority groups regarding online misinformation

Analysis of skills gaps among media literacy professionals (and other relevant professionals) on ethnic minority-related misinformation

Development of training materials for the groups mentioned

Creation of an interactive Online Toolkit to support ethnic minorities in combating misinformation against them

Training for disinformation professionals and ethnic communities

Creation of a transnational Community of Practice community

Resources

Report on best media literacy practices focused on inoculation and pre-bunking

Report on levels of awareness of ethnic minorities about misinformation affecting them

Report on multicultural competence levels for disinformation professionals

Multilingual online toolkit on how to address misinformation towards ethnic minorities

English-language project website

Impact

Professionals (media literacy, educators, social workers) – approximately 105 professionals trained on intercultural issues.

Ethnic and religious community leaders – approximately 48 community leaders, whose role is critical: they become active resource persons and knowledge multipliers, strengthening their capacity to raise awareness, inform and protect communities from misinformation, online hatred and extremist narratives

Members of ethnic and religious minorities – 140 minority members, with an impact that extends further thanks to training and accessible digital tools. Participants develop critical thinking, greater awareness of the risks associated with misinformation, and stronger individual and collective resilience

Engage civil society Through awareness-raising activities, online tools and a transnational Community of Practice, the project indirectly engages a broad and diverse audience. This contributes to increasing public awareness, reducing stereotypes and discrimination, promoting intercultural dialogue and strengthening collaboration between institutions, organizations and other key actors