Members call for more effective measures to counter misinformation.

The European Parliament's Subcommittee on Public Health (SANT) presented a study on "How to reduce the impact of disinformation on Europeans’ health" on 30 September. The study was requested by the SANT and was implemented in collaboration with the Department of Economy, Science and Quality of Life of the European Parliament and the consulting firm, Millieu Consulting. In addition to the effects of disinformation on health, the current challenges and recommendations for dealing with disinformation in the future are discussed. 

Definition and scope of disinformation 

The authors emphasise the presence of different overlapping misinformation-related terms. The term disinformation is defined in the study as the deliberate and strategic dissemination of false or incomplete information accompanied by an element of intent. 

The reasons for disinformation can be political, ideological as well as economic. Media and artificial intelligence also contribute to disinformation. Disinformation in healthcare is directed at both the general public and specific groups of people, based on cultural, religious or socio-economic factors. Disinformation is spread via both online and offline channels. Disinformation spreads much faster online than offline.

"Infodemic"

Health crises are linked to superabundance of information. The increase in the flow of information is referred to as "infodemic". Information, both accurate and misleading, influences public health and social perception. Susceptibility to disinformation is increased by the general scepticism that prevails in health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Disinformation can be used to fuel fears, thus hindering effective public health measures. The consequences include negative effects on health. In 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a global "infodemic". There were fears that a global epidemic of misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic, spreading rapidly via online platforms and other channels, could pose a serious public health concern.

EU initiatives

The study also highlights the role of the European Union (EU) and emphasises both proposed measures and those already implemented at European level. The EU has created frameworks, behavioural recommendations and initiatives such as the Rapid Alert System (RAS) and the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO). In addition, regulations for online platforms and advertisers have been tightened. With the European Democracy Action Plan and the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU is supporting the fight against disinformation. 

Challenges and recommendations

Although there are already measures in place to deal with disinformation at European level, there is still some catching up to do. The different approaches of the EU institutions and the Member States pose a considerable challenge in dealing with disinformation. The lack of a common definition further complicates the issue. The increase in AI-generated content is also contributing to this. The study emphasises promotion of media and digital skills of each citizen in order to meet these challenges. In addition, cooperation between all stakeholders in the healthcare sector should be intensified. Transparent communication and the utilisation of scientific findings are also crucial. This is why a comprehensive multi-stakeholder approach to dealing with disinformation in the healthcare sector is required. International cooperation and interventions at a political, organisational and social level are essential. The majority of members of the SANT Committee emphasised counteracting disinformation more effectively in future.