The spread of online disinformation is now one of the main social and cultural challenges facing Europe. Through manipulated content, fake news and polarising narratives, the digital space is increasingly influencing the way people understand reality, form opinions and engage with the communities around them.
Whilst digitalisation has broadened access to information and opportunities for public participation, it has also facilitated the rapid circulation of misleading and divisive content. Algorithms, personalised content and polarising dynamics often contribute to reinforcing prejudices and social tensions, affecting the most vulnerable communities in particular.
In this context, ethnic and religious minorities are often more vulnerable to stereotypes, online hate and distorted information that foster social marginalisation, prejudice and extremist tendencies.
In response to these challenges, MinDiShield was launched, an initiative that tackles the phenomenon of online disinformation by focusing on the people and communities most exposed to these dynamics. The approach adopted is not limited to combating manipulative content, but aims to build participatory pathways capable of strengthening awareness, autonomy and collective resilience.
Through field research, comparative analysis and participatory methodologies, the project examines how disinformation affects ethnic and religious minorities in various European contexts. This work helps to identify specific needs, gaps in education and critical issues relating both to access to reliable information and to the representation of communities in the media. Particular attention is paid to media literacy, understood as the ability to read, interpret and critically analyse information.
Strengthening critical thinking and developing tools to recognise manipulation, stereotypes and fake news effectively promotes more informed participation in social and democratic life, reducing vulnerability to radicalisation and extremist discourse.
The activities involve educational staff, social workers, media literacy practitioners, and leaders and members of ethnic and religious communities, with the aim of building shared skills and accessible tools. Through dedicated training courses, participants have the opportunity to explore issues related to online disinformation, contemporary media language and intercultural dynamics, developing effective strategies to promote more balanced and inclusive information.
At the same time, multilingual resources and an interactive online toolkit provide communities with useful tools to develop a more critical and informed approach to information, encouraging participation and discussion.
Through awareness-raising activities and accessible digital tools, MinDiShield thus helps to build a more inclusive and balanced information landscape, capable of countering manipulative and discriminatory narratives.
Would you like to contribute to the MinDiShield research project? Please complete the online questionnaire and help us develop tools and activities to promote a safer and more accessible digital environment.
For more information read the project overview or contact giuseppe.romeo@cesie.org
About MinDiShield
MinDiShield – Combating online minority-related disinformation leading to radicalisation and violent extremism is a project funded by the Creative Europe Programme (CREA) NEWS – Media Literacy (2024–2025)
Partner
- SYMPLEXIS (Greece, coordinator),
- CENTRE D’ACTION ET DE PREVENTION CONTRE LA RADICALIZATION (France),
- MEDIA DIVERSITY INSTITUTE (Belgium),
- METROPOLITAN COLLEGE (Greece)
- CESIE ETS (Italia)
- CYPRUS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (Cyprus)
For further information
Read the project overview or contact giuseppe.romeo@cesie.org
