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In New Zealand, COVID-19 has impacted traditional media models already facing challenges from technology and changing consumer demands. Misinformation about the virus has also spread through social media. To address these issues, we prioritized the establishment of a public interest journalism fund. This fund aims to support our media in producing informative stories that keep New Zealanders updated. We believe that a vibrant and trusted media sector is crucial for a healthy democracy. This initiative aligns with our goal of Building Back Better.

In the war of propaganda, it is very difficult to defeat The United States because The United States controls all the world's media and many European media. The ultimate beneficiary of the biggest European media are American financial institutions. So it is possible to get involved in this work, but it is cost prohibitive, so to speak. We can simply shine the spotlight on our sources of information, and we will not achieve results.

Foreign governments are using their own laws to censor information for Americans, like the EU's Digital Services Act, which threatens companies with fines if they don't comply. We've requested communications between these foreign entities and tech companies to reveal this pressure. We're also sending letters to the UK, EU, and Brazil to put them on notice that we're watching their actions. It's unacceptable for foreign governments to undermine the First Amendment rights of Americans. We saw this with the Biden administration pressuring companies to censor, which thankfully has been stopped. Free speech is a core value of Western civilization, and we must protect it. We're aiming to safeguard the rights of Americans and help companies resist these shakedowns.

Disinformation on social media platforms poses challenges to democracy, bolstering authoritarians and silencing opposition. Countering disinformation is crucial for a thriving democracy. The steps countering disinformation guide provides 9 thematic sections and a comprehensive intervention database to promote information integrity and strengthen societal resilience. Key takeaways include the need for a whole of society approach, prioritizing programs addressing disinformation and societal cleavages, and utilizing mixed methods like fact checking and monitoring. Establishing norms, regulations, and better content moderation is essential. Political parties should be discouraged from engaging in disinformation. Explore the interventions database for organizations, projects, and donors combating disinformation worldwide.

Patrick Baab and the host discuss the perceived erosion of freedom of expression in Europe and the role of governments and institutions in pressuring speech. - Baab asserts that there is “no freedom of speech in the EU anymore,” citing a 160-page US Congress report published in February that allegedly finds the EU Commission created a system of complete censorship across the European Union. The report states the EU regime “pressured platforms in the Internet to suppress lawful speech, including speech that was true simply because it was politically inconvenient,” and that the Commission is transforming itself “into a censorship authority against democracy.” - The discussion moves to Jacques Baud (spelled Baud by Baab, sometimes Jacques Baud), a Swiss colonel and analyst who argued that the war in Ukraine had been provoked. Baab notes Baud was sanctioned by the EU, with consequences including travel bans, frozen assets, and limited monthly food funds (€500). Baud cannot travel to Switzerland; his bank accounts and property are frozen, and neighbors reportedly cook for him. Baab calls these measures extralegal, asserting they punish a person for an argument, not for crimes, and claims such sanctions illustrate a mechanism to suppress dissent. - Baab elaborates that Baud’s sanction is part of a broader pattern: “extralegal sanctions” against multiple individuals (Baud and 58 others) within and partly outside the EU, aimed at silencing those who challenge NATO or EU narratives. He argues this signals a “death of freedom” and a move to shut mouths through sanctions. - The host asks if the media’s shift toward propaganda is temporary or permanent. Baab responds that the transformation is structural: democracy in Europe is becoming anti-democratic and warmongering despotism. He cites Viktor Orban’s view that the EU intends to wage war against Russia, with propaganda and censorship as two sides of the same coin to close public debate. Baab says the war will be ugly, as Russia has warned it could escalate to nuclear conflict, and ties this to investments in Ukraine (Shell deal) that were lost when territories changed hands, implying economic motivations behind policy and casualties for profits. - The conversation turns to self-censorship. Baab describes widespread fear among journalists and academics; many refused to join a board intended to assist Baud, fearing repercussions. He cites a US Congress report alleging the EU manipulated eight elections, including Romania, Slovakia, and France. He also notes the EU Commission’s engagement with major platforms (Meta, Google, TikTok, X, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Rumble, Reddit, OpenAI) to enforce content management under EU rules, threatening sanctions if not compliant. - Reputational attacks against critics are discussed. Baab shares experiences of smear campaigns, such as being misrepresented as a “Putin poll watcher” in Germany, and notes that state- and EU-funded NGOs sometimes amplify misinformation. He argues mainstream media generally ignores these issues, turning to “new media” and independent outlets as alternatives for information. - On Germany specifically, Baab identifies EU-level figures (German-origin leaders) who drive censorship: Ursula von der Leyen as EU Commission President (authorized COVID-19 disinformation monitoring), Vera Jorova (values and transparency), Thierry Breton (pressures on platforms), Prabhat Agarwal (Digital Services Act enforcement), and Renate Künast (translating DSA into practice). He says national governments decide sanctions but pass the burden to Brussels, creating a “kickback game.” He notes the German Bundestag extended EU sanctions into national law, punishing any helper of a sanctioned person with up to ten years’ imprisonment. - For optimism, Baab says Europe needs external help, such as the US Congress report, and citizens must seek alternative information sources and organize to defend democratic rights, including voting for different parties. He suggests that without broad public pushback, the propaganda system will persist. - The discussion closes with reflections on broader geopolitical dynamics, warnings about a multipolar world, and a dystopian vision of a Europe dominated by conflict and state control, with elites colluding with Western powers at the expense of ordinary citizens.

The tragic events in the Middle East, specifically the terrorist attacks by Hamas, have increased the stakes. The widespread dissemination of illegal content and misinformation related to these events poses a clear risk of stigmatizing certain communities, destabilizing our democratic structures, and exposing our children to violent content. The recent terrorist attacks in Arras, France, and Brussels serve as a grim reminder that the threat is real and present in Europe. With the Digital Services Act (DSA), we have a comprehensive toolbox that we must fully utilize to ensure online security and protect fundamental rights. We take this responsibility seriously and have been open and transparent with platforms about their new role and our expectations. They must adapt and adjust their systems to meet their new obligations regarding transparency, privacy, and the removal of illegal content and products.

Disinformation on social media undermines democracy, empowering authoritarianism and silencing opposition. To combat this, the CEPS countering disinformation guide offers nine key strategies and a database of interventions aimed at enhancing information integrity and societal resilience. Developed by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, International Republican Institute, and National Democratic Institute with USAID support, the guide emphasizes a whole-of-society approach. It highlights the need for urgency in collective action, balancing resources between institutions and civil society, and employing mixed methods like fact-checking and monitoring. Additionally, it stresses the importance of establishing norms, legal frameworks, and improved social media moderation to foster a healthy information environment. Political parties should also be discouraged from engaging in disinformation. For further resources, explore the interventions database.

The threat of disinformation and foreign interference is growing. To combat this, we are introducing the European Democracy Shield. This initiative will identify and counter information manipulation, work with national agencies, detect foreign interference, enhance AI deepfake detection, and promote resilience.

I will propose a comprehensive investigation into the funding of political parties and politicians, as well as their connections with Russia. Additionally, I suggest excluding parties like Forum for Democracy and PVV from confidential briefings to the Second Chamber. We cannot tolerate any form of interference, both from external sources and within our own parliament. It is crucial to safeguard our democracy not only from Russian influence but also from internal threats.

I truly believe the time has come for Europe to have its own military. The Armed Forces of Europe must be created. This isn't harder than standing firm against Russian attacks, which we've already done. It's not just about increasing defense spending as a GDP ratio. Money is needed, of course. But money alone won't stop an enemy assault. People and weapons don't come free, but it's not just about budgets. It's about people realizing they need to defend their own home.

Addressing disinformation requires a whole of society approach. It's not something that can be fixed by governments alone. This is a challenge recognized by some countries in Europe and North America. To combat disinformation, governments, multilateral institutions, social media platforms, and political leaders need to work together. Democracy relies on a healthy information space achieved through a collective effort. Countering disinformation requires a whole of society response, involving the private sector, public sector, and civil society. Cooperation from tech platforms and enforcement of terms of service are crucial, but government involvement is also necessary. The solution lies in a comprehensive approach that acknowledges the problem and involves all stakeholders.

The European Union is pressuring tech companies to censor content secretly, with Elon Musk's x being the only one resisting. The EU is threatening x with fines for not complying. Governments and intelligence agencies are involved in demanding censorship, while spreading their own disinformation. X's community notes system allows for corrections to false information, unlike what the EU claims. Musk's refusal to censor is crucial for free speech. To fight back, share the video, join the email list, and support the free speech movement. Stand up against foreign interference in free speech.

Speaker 0 says he began in 2020 to combine the most successful coup fighters with experts who helped study or defeat autocracy internationally, visiting Hungary, Poland, Brazil, Czech Republic, and forming a plan over four years. "twice as many protests in 2025 as there were in 2021." Speaker 2 outlines Norm Eisen’s "democracy playbook" with seven pillars: "controlling elections, controlling the courts, fighting corruption, basically, painting Trump as an autocrat, reinforcing civic and media space," and pillar six: "controlling disinformation," noting that "states may find partners in allied regulators over social media such as the EU and Brazil." Eisen recruited people for his new blob shop from folks who overturned basically regimes that he called autocratic. "All these people get paid to fight autocracy abroad through the State Department, USAID, the US Institute of Peace, the Department of Defense, Civil Military." The playbook cites USAID "37 times," funding "media allies for the blob" and projects like "the corruption reporting project in Ukraine" and "a billion dollar USAID loan guarantee" to remove Victor Shokin. It also discusses "designating elections as critical infrastructure" and a "slush fund" to pay state secretaries, plus "strategic non cooperation."

In New Zealand, COVID-19 has impacted traditional media models already facing challenges from technology and changing consumer demands. Misinformation about the virus has also spread through social media. To address these issues, we prioritized the creation of a public interest journalism fund. This fund aims to support our media in producing informative stories that keep New Zealanders updated. We believe that a vibrant and trusted media sector is crucial for a healthy democracy. This initiative aligns with our goal of Building Back Better.

Disinformation requires a whole of society approach, not just governmental action. Some countries are more progressive in recognizing this challenge. A whole of society effort is key to empowering people with real and accurate information. This approach means sharing experiences and holding governments, social media platforms, and political leaders accountable. Democracy depends on a healthy information space achievable through this effort. The whole of society response includes the private sector, public sector, and civil society. Cooperation from tech platforms, good faith, and enforcement of terms of service are needed. It also requires government acknowledgment that the problem extends beyond foreign actors.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of private companies in combating misinformation online. They express concern over the impact of disinformation on democratic institutions, particularly highlighting the refusal to accept election results. The speaker warns of the global spread of rigged election narratives by autocrats, leading to a loss of faith in democracy. They stress the need to trust democratic systems despite imperfections and changing dynamics. The speaker urges vigilance in countering asymmetric warfare through the weaponization of information.

Disinformation is profitable, so we must trace the money. A significant portion of advertising revenue supports harmful content. We need to collaborate with the global advertising industry to redirect ad dollars. This involves creating exclusion and inclusion lists to prioritize funding for accurate and relevant news and information. We must challenge the global advertising industry worldwide to focus its resources on disseminating truthful and beneficial information.

I must address the US Vice President's recent speech questioning the state of European democracy. His comparison of Europe to authoritarian regimes is unacceptable. In our democracy, every opinion is heard, even those of extremist parties. We even allow media that spread Russian propaganda. However, democracy doesn't mean a minority dictates truth, nor does it allow unchecked speech. We defend our democracy daily against internal and external threats. I strongly disagree with the Vice President's suggestion that our democracies oppress minorities. We know what we defend: democracy, freedom of opinion, the rule of law, and the dignity of all. Unlike the Vice President, I want to focus on European and transatlantic security. Recent events confirm the US is pushing for a quick peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine, expecting Europe to secure any resulting agreement.

We launched Reporters Shield, an insurance fund for journalists facing political risks. It's a global public good, vital for independent media's survival and success. In Moldova, combating misinformation, our MediaM initiative helped local outlets create membership systems, boosting revenue by 38% and online reach by 60% over three years. In Nicaragua, La Prensa, an important news outlet under attack, was on the verge of collapse. We provided emergency funding and, more significantly, assisted with a business restructuring plan to stabilize their finances. Our focus is on sustainable business models for independent media, not just short-term aid.

The speaker highlights the importance of addressing the crisis in democracies around the world. They mention the rise of disinformation and attacks on those in power. They call for a united effort across Europe to defend democracy, both offline and online. The speaker invites people to join an event at the European Parliament on October 11th to make their voices heard.

Today, the Digital Services Act (DSA) becomes enforceable for large online platforms and search engines. These platforms play a crucial role in our daily lives, and it's time for Europe to establish its own rules. The DSA aims to protect free speech from arbitrary decisions and safeguard our citizens and democracies against illegal content. My team and I will rigorously ensure that systemic platforms comply with the DSA, investigating and sanctioning them if necessary. Our goal is to create a safer online environment for everyone in Europe. I'll provide updates on our progress.

The Biden administration plans to bring together democracies in a transatlantic summit to address threats to democracy. The European Union also wants to establish a transatlantic digital marketplace and work together against disinformation. Mainstream platforms like Twitter and Facebook have started labeling misinformation, and there is hope that nefarious movements will decline. The EU's Democracy Action Plan, which includes introducing costs for spreading disinformation, is seen as a game changer. The Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act proposed by the European Commission are steps in the right direction. Collaboration between governments, civil society, and industry is crucial, as disinformation is a growing threat that requires a collective response.

Allowing citizens to speak freely makes them stronger. This brings me to Munich, where conference organizers banned lawmakers from populist parties on both the left and the right. We don't have to agree with everything, but when political leaders represent a constituency, we should engage in dialogue. To many, it appears that entrenched interests are hiding behind terms like misinformation and disinformation. They dislike the idea of alternative viewpoints, different opinions, or, even worse, different election outcomes.

Two years ago, we were labeled as bought-off journalists for questioning digital censorship. I was shocked to see my party seemingly endorse censorship. John Kerry even lamented that the First Amendment hinders the government's ability to control information and build consensus, essentially complaining that people choose their own news sources. Building consensus isn't the media's job; it's our job to make governing hard, and many of our allies have already embraced draconian speech laws. The EU's Digital Services Act is the most comprehensive censorship law in a Western democracy. USAID is funding organizations that promote unified messaging and discourage diverse opinions, spending millions of dollars to transform the free press into a consensus machine. You've taken taxpayer money to tell people they're wrong about what they can see, you sold us out.

Disinformation is profitable, so we must trace the money. A significant portion of the funding for harmful content comes from the global advertising industry. We need to collaborate with this industry to redirect ad dollars. This can involve creating exclusion and inclusion lists to target funding towards accurate and reliable news and information. We must challenge the global advertising industry worldwide to prioritize funding for truthful and relevant content.