Disinformation and electoral corruption were two of the most harmful instruments of the hybrid war waged by the Kremlin against the democracy of the Republic of Moldova. This is the message conveyed by President Maia Sandu at the 2024 Media Forum. According to the head of state, the elections in the Republic of Moldova were marked by an unprecedented wave of disinformation, meant to weaken social unity, to sow hatred and mistrust, to divide, to frighten. Artificial intelligence and technologies are used to amplify disinformation, and non-transparent algorithms allow malicious actors to promote their fake content. Thus, according to Maia Sandu, the pressure exerted on the media has never been greater, IPN reports.
"Trust in the traditional media is declining, while digital platforms and influencers dominate audiences. Journalists are forced to balance speed with accuracy, to combat waves of false information and to look for ways to attract young audiences and not only, in an increasingly digitized world. Against the background of these unprecedented difficulties, the Moldovan press responded with outstanding examples of courage and professionalism. I am grateful to all the newsrooms and journalists who, day after day, make news, reports, shows, investigations based on facts, and who offer the public a window to reality," Maia Sandu said in her speech.
According to the official, in the Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders, Moldova ranks 31st, ahead of some of the European Union member states.
"Unfortunately, disinformation and fake news remain a serious danger everywhere - as we have seen, including in the case of the elections in Romania. We understand the major role of the free press in preserving democracy and are committed to creating an environment in which the free press can fulfill this role. The fund for subsidizing the media is an example. The new law that is being worked on is another example of the effort we are making to build this environment. In the future, I ask you to continue our joint efforts in the fight against disinformation," said President Maia Sandu.
