Bulgarian-Romanian Observatory of Digital Media
What is BROD?
The Bulgarian-Romanian Observatory of Digital Media aims to create a multinational, multi-stakeholder, and multidisciplinary regional hub for detection, analysis and combating disinformation circulating in Bulgaria and Romania. Such an observatory is urgently needed and very relevant in the region, which due to the poor media freedom and low citizen media and information literacy is highly prone to coordinated internal and external disinformation campaigns aiming at the EU. [+]
News and Events
Real-Time Fact-Checking: Moldova’s First Debate
The Fact Frontier initiative kicks off in Moldova with its first debate, bringing a fresh approach to fighting misinformation during election season. Supported by Funky Citizens, Transparency International Moldova, and the Independent Press Association Moldova, the project uses real-time fact-checking to keep candidates accountable and debates grounded in truth. Over the course of eleven debates, young journalists and students from Moldova and Romania will join this effort to promote transparency and media integrity, setting a new standard for informed democratic dialogue. [+]
New sanctions framework against the responsible for destabilising activities against the EU
The European Council established a new framework for restrictive measures in response to Russia’s destabilising actions abroad. [+]
Civic Caravan Report: A civic engagement and media literacy journey across Romania
Funky Citizens organization launched a civic and media education tour called the "Civic Caravan" ahead of Romania’s 2024 elections, aiming to engage young people in responsible civic life and online information literacy. Visiting over 20 communities, including both urban and rural areas, the Caravan sparked debates on civic responsibility, fact-checking, and combating disinformation. Key initiatives, such as fact-checking marathons in universities and the "Fake News. Following the Lies" exhibition, were designed to train young people in critical thinking and media literacy, empowering them to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. As Romania faces a rising risk of democratic backsliding, these efforts highlight the importance of being informed, ensuring citizens make conscious, informed decisions. This initiative not only fosters informed civic participation but also establishes a foundation for long-term engagement and media education across the country. [+]
BROD collaborates with Moldovan partners on upcoming elections in Chișinău
The Bulgarian-Romanian Observatory of Digital media BROD collaborates with Moldovan partners on upcoming elections in Chișinău.
Elena Calistru from Funky Citizens will coordinate the fact-checking aspect and Keith Kiely from GATE Institute in Sofia will handle the comparative research.
During a technical workshop in September, European Commission staff and Moldovan authorities conducted a threat assessment and election readiness exercise with online platforms, Moldovan civil society organisations, fact-checkers and independent media. Several online platforms agreed on the implementation of a temporary escalation mechanism ahead of Moldova’s presidential elections and national referendum about the EU membership on 20 October. [+]
Harnessing AI for Better Journalism. BROD presented at MEDIAiBiH, Sarajevo
BROD work was presented at the conference on Artificial Intelligence in the Information and Media System of Bosnia and Herzegovina (MEDIAiBiH) [+]
Global Media and Information Literacy Week
Global Media and Information Literacy Week is an annual event observed from 24th to 31st October to raise awareness and celebrate the progress achieved towards Media and Information Literacy for all. [+]
In Ruse: Free Media and Digital Literacy Training for Adults 55+
Tsvetelina Stefanova, a contributor of BRODhub, was one of the organisers of the Free Media and Digital Literacy Training for Adults 55+ in Ruse University Angel Kanchev University of Ruse. The target group is users above 55 years old. [+]
EDMO elections 2024 taskforce group final report
Quoted by international media, trusted by EU institutions, nurtured by the European communities of fact-checkers, media literacy experts, and researchers, the EDMO Task Force on EU Elections 2024 has been a successful endeavor to monitor and counter disinformation ahead of the vote. Its work was built relying on the efforts of over 50 independent fact-checking organizations, part of the EDMO fact-checking network, and 14 EDMO hubs monitoring the disinformation at the local level. [+]
Building Information Space Resilience in Southeast Europe and the Black Sea Region 7 – 9 November 2024
GATE institute, the coordinator of BRODhub, is a coorganiser of forum against disinformation, in Sofia. [+]
EUI training in Sofia
Dr Sharon McCulloch of the EUI Widening Europe Programme presented a series of trainings at GATE Institute, Sofia University St. Climent Ohridsky. [+]
TACKLING DISINFORMATION AND INFORMATION MANIPULATION
Democracy is one of the fundamental values of our European Union. It is at the heart of our open and transparent societies. In the European Union, citizens can freely express their views, participate in democratic life, and choose their political representatives.
However, false information has increased in recent years and can affect various aspects of our lives: health, public security, trust in democracy, climate and the environment, migration and fundamental rights and values that underpin our societies. [+]
The attitudes in Bulgaria before the elections (CSD-BROD survey)
If we do not all go out and vote on Sunday, we will directly influence the election results, and not in the direction we would all like the European Union to develop, because we will let others decide for us the future of power in Europe. This is what Yordanka Chobanova - Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria said. She took part in the presentation of a study by the Center for the Study of Democracy. The study is part of the work of Bulgarian-Romanian Digital Media Observatory BROD. [+]
BROD Representatives in the Spotlight at the Media Literacy Conference 2024 - The Superpower of Tomorrow’s Teachers
The change that teachers who turn media literacy into a resource bring about was the topic of the third edition of the media literacy conference organised by the Center for Independent Journalism (CIJ) on 18 May in Bucharest. The event brought together teachers from the CIJ's Media Literacy Programme, representatives of authorities, as well as locally and internationally acknowledged media literacy experts, including members of the EDMO hub, BROD, and Renee Hobbs, founder of the Media Education Lab. [+]
Mădălina Boțan on information and disinformation during electoral campaigns at the CIJ’s podcast
Mădălina Boțan is a researcher within the BROD project (Bulgarian-Romanian Observatory of Digital Media) and a PhD lecturer at the National School of Political and Administrative Studies, Faculty of Communication. On the eve of the elections, she was invited to the Media Literacy Lab, the podcast of the Center for Independent Journalism (CIJ), to share her insights on information and disinformation during election campaigns. [+]
What are the key narratives seen by AFP fact-checking service in Bulgarian?
That is one of the questions AFP Fact Checker Rossen Bossev did address during a Conference titled
‘Countering Disinformation and Promoting Media Literacy’ co-organised by French and German
embassies to Bulgaria on April 22, 2024. [+]
A framework for the establishment of the EU Hybrid Rapid Response Teams
The Council of EU approved the guiding framework for the practical establishment of the EU Hybrid Rapid Response Teams. This paves the way for such teams to be deployed upon request, to prepare against and counter hybrid threats and campaigns. [+]
Hubs represented in EDMO week in Brussels'24
EDMO week continues in Brussels with the focus moving from the general conference to a meeting of the EDMO network of hubs representatives from across Europe. BRODhub is represented by Madalina Botan from Scoala Nationala de Studii Politice si Administrative (SNSPA) and Scientific coordinator of BROD Keith Peter Kiely from GATE Institute, Sofia University. [+]
2024 EDMO Annual Conference, BROD represented
The 2024 EDMO Annual Conference started in Brussels, convening media and policy practitioners, policymakers, academics, regulators, journalists, and members of civil society to look at the challenges of online disinformation and how to tackle them.
Madeleine de Cock Buning and Miguel Poiares Maduro from School of Transnational Governance, EUI opened the event.
Media Literacy Conference 2024 - The Superpower of Tomorrow's Teachers
The Center for Independent Journalism (CIJ) has the pleasure to invite you to the Media Literacy Conference 2024 - The Superpower of Tomorrow's Teachers, which will take place on 18 May 2024, at Sheraton Hotel in Bucharest. The third edition of the Media Literacy Conference is a full day event, starting at 09:00 AM. [+]
BROD presented at Symposium of Union de la Presse Francophone
The Bulgarian-Romanian Observatory of Digital Media BROD was presented at the symposium of the Presse Francophone in Bucharest. [+]
BROD data presented at the Romanian-American workshop “Challenges for Democracy: Exploring the Intersection of Journalism and Elections”
Between April 3rd and April 4th, the Communication Research Center of the Faculty of Communication and Public Relations within the National School of Political and Administrative Studies (SNSPA) organized the 12th edition of the Romanian-American Workshop, in partnership with the Cox Center for International Mass Communication Training and Research at the University of Georgia (USA). Prof. Nicoleta Corbu and Assoc. Prof. Madalina Botan, as representatives of BROD, delivered interventions on the risks of electoral disinformation, the role of technological platforms in minimizing these risks, and the responsibility of all actors involved in regulating the media ecosystem in the electoral context. [+]
EU vote: viral post by Bulgarian politician misquotes migration study stats (VIDEO)
AFP with video debunk! Misinformation regarding Bulgaria's asylum rankings in the EU spread on social media after Austria agreed to let Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen area of free movement by air and sea borders in exchange for stepping up the fight against illegal immigration [+]
New Cybersecurity compendium on the integrity of elections
The Member States, with the support of the Commission and ENISA, the EU Agency for Cybersecurity, have published a new compendium on how to protect the integrity of elections from a cybersecurity perspective. [+]
BROD with a presentation at the EDMO scientific conference at the University of Amsterdam
The Bulgarian-Romanian Digital Observatory of Digital Media (BROD) is presented at the EDMO scientific conference at the University of Amsterdam. Nicoleta Corbu, Dan Sultănescu and Madalina Botan from National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA), Todor Galev from Center for the Study of Democracy, the scientific coordinator of BROD Keith Kiely, Andy Stoycheff from NTCenter and Patrik Szicherle from GLOBSEC have a paper, named Effects of disinformation about the accession to the Schengen area in Bulgaria and Romania. [+]
Media literacy matters! Strong presence of BRODhub at the conference in Brussels
The European Digital and Media Literacy Conference in Brussels puts the many faces of digital and media literacy in the European spotlight during the Belgian EU presidency. [+]
Big Tech signs accord to combat AI-generated election disinformation
Major technology companies signed a pact on Friday to voluntarily adopt "reasonable precautions" to prevent artificial intelligence (AI) tools from being used to disrupt democratic elections around the world, announced AP. The document is A Tech Accord to Combat Deceptive Use of AI in 2024 Elections. [+]
Anti-disinformation bill proposed for discussion in Bulgarian Parliament
A number of measures to limit the risks of disinformation campaigns are envisaged by the draft law for amendments to the Electronic Communications Act prepared by the democratic groups in Bulgaria. [+]
European Commission presented new initiatives for digital infrastructures
European Commission announced a set of possible actions to foster the innovation, security and resilience of digital infrastructures. The future competitiveness of Europe's economy depends on these advanced digital network infrastructures and services, since fast, secure, and widespread connectivity is essential for the deployment of the technologies that will bring us into tomorrow's world: telemedicine, automated driving, predictive maintenance of buildings, or precision agriculture. [+]
Keith Kiely is elected as a Member of the EDMO Executive Board
Keith Peter Kiely PhD is elected as a Member of the Executive Board – Hubs representative (BROD), [+]
Discussion about the monitoring and the evaluating of the Code of Practice on Disinfomation in Sofia
Genuine discussion on VLOP's implementation of the Code of Practice on Disinformation (CoP) in Bulgaria and Romania was part in the frame of the third GATE Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Forum (BDAIF2023). [+]
Webinar of Read Twice goes beyond the headlines
The phenomenon of spreading disinformation was discussed at practice-oriented webinar “Beyond the Headlines: Tools and Skills to Detect Disinfo in the News”, organized by Euro Advance Association as part of the pan-European Read Twice (R2) project. Experienced researcher from the GATE Institute and Coordinator of research in BROD, Dr. Keith Kiely presented two case studies, offering insights into the dynamics within Bulgarian society which enable the spread of disinformation narratives. [+]
EVALUATING THE CODE OF PRACTICE - part of GATE Institute Annual Event 2023
Evaluating the Code of Practice on Disinformation in Bulgaria and Romania will be the focus panel of the Grand Opening of the GATE Institute Building.
Our special guests are Paolo Cesarini, Programme Director for EDMO and EMIF and Madalina Botan from SNSPA, and we will have the pleasure to speak online with Paula Gori from EDMO and Kalina Bontcheva from University of Sheffield. Todor Galev from Center for the Study of Democracy, Bulgaria and Maria Koleva from BNT also will present their work as a partners of Bulgarian-Romanian Observatory of Digital Media BROD. [+]
BROD liaison document approved by Executive Board
BROD liaison document is approved by the EDMO Executive Board. Now, the Bulgarian-Romanian Digital Media Observatory can be seen as a legitimate and functioning part of the EDMO network. BROD is proud to contribute to the EDMO community in our collaborative efforts to tackle this seminal issue. [+]
Technologies against Disinformation 2.0, co-organized by BROD, gathered the best tech companies in Bulgaria
The conference "Technologies against Disinformation 2.0" brought together the best Bulgarian technology companies working against disinformation. [+]
BROD signed Memorandum of Understanding with HDMO
Bulgarian-Romanian Observatory of Digital Media BROD and the Hungarian Observatory of Digital Media HDMO signed a Memorandum of Understanding. [+]
Vera Jourova in Bulgaria, discussing disinformation issues
European Commission Vice-President Vera Jourova, responsible values and transparency, upholding the rule of law in the European Union, as well as monitoring implementation of the Code of Practice, was in Sofia, invited by Balkan Constitutional Forum. [+]
Where is the Intersection of AI, Deepfake, and Disinformation: BROD presented at AI N’ CYBER CONFERENCE
Keith Kiely from BROD participated in the panel Global Propaganda Campaigns: Exploring the Intersection of AI, Deepfake, and Disinformation [+]
BROD at Dubrovnik Media Days 2023
The conference, organised by the University of Dubrovnik and the local ADMO Digital Media Observatory, has established itself as one of the leading in the Western Balkans. It opened with a discussion on priorities and perspectives in disinformation research. [+]
BROD presented at EDMO meeting in Dubrovnik
Bulgarian-Romanian Observatory of Digital Media BROD presented its achievements at the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) meeting of the fourteen EDMO Hubs in Dubrovnik on 28-29 September 2023. [+]
Bulgarian scientists analyse shortcomings in online platforms’ actions against disinformation
First analysis of the implementation of commitments under the Strengthened Code of Practice on Disinformation of Very Large Online Platforms (VLOP’s) & Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSE); Researchers warn about European elections 2024 [+]
European commission launches campaign dedicated to EURO
The European Commission in Bulgaria launched an information campaign dedicated to the common European currency, entitled #ЗаЕврото накратко: отговорите, които търсим (About the Euro in a Nutshell: the answers We Are Looking For). [+]
75 teachers from Romania, on their way to become Media Literacy teachers
75 teachers from 74 schools in Romania learn how to teach media literacy concepts to their students, within the Media Education Program, the largest program of this kind from Romania, carried out by the Center for Independent Journalism. Teachers benefit from free training in order to acquire media literacy skills and learn methods that would help the students become responsible citizens, resilient in the face of disinformation. [+]
Two BROD researchers are part of the EDMO Expert Group on Structural Indicators for the Code of Practice on Disinformation
Raluca Buturoiu and Nicoleta Corbu, two Romanian researchers and professors from the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA), partner in the Bulgarian-Romanian Observatory of Digital Media (BROD), were selected as Experts within the EDMO Expert Group on Structural Indicators for the Code of Practice on Disinformation.
First annual conference of the Bulgarian Coalition Against Disinformation Sofia with participation of BROD
One Year Wartime Disinformation – is Collective Resistance Possible? - that question was asked at the First annual conference of the Bulgarian Coalition Against Disinformation, held in Sofia on 27 April 2023. [+]
Fact-Checking
Fact-Checking
BROD is the unique European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO)-related hub covering Bulgaria and Romania.
The portal gives access to a continuous feed of fact-check articles aimed at debunking information in Bulgarian and Romanian and to dozens of archives.
Part of the initiative is the fact-checking leader Agence France-Presse (AFP) with its operations in both countries: Proveri for Bulgaria; and Verificat for Romania. Bulgarian National Television (BNT) is also part of the observatory with its new team of fact-checkers. On the Romanian side the hub’s fact-checking activity is also carried on by Factual, a platform launched by FUNKY CITIZENS. [+]
Media Literacy
BROD RESOURCES
Within the domain of media and information literacy (MIL), BROD is gradually adding the resources for educating teachers, librarians and journalists and delivered in Bulgarian and Romanian languages. [+]
Research
BROD will be bringing to you focused research reports on topics relevant to Bulgaria and Romania. You will be able to find reports in English in the Research section, as well as publications in Bulgarian and Romanian. In addition to its own outputs in research, BROD curates a collection of older studies of the BROD partners and other relevant reports.
GLOBSEC REPORT: Public Attitudes in Bulgaria - a Severe Lack of Trust
Not all of Bulgarian society has fully embraced the country’s place in the West yet, but recent GLOBSEC Trends polls indicate that the country is certainly warming up to the EU and NATO. Between 2020 and 2024, Bulgarians’ support for EU membership improved by 7 percentage points, while backing for NATO increased by 15 percentage points. The picture is not perfect, as 73% of Bulgarians agreed with the ‘EU dictate’ narrative in 2024, indicating that concerns about the European Union’s role in Bulgaria remain prevalent. [+]
REVISING PRIORITIES: HOW CAN WE MOST EFFECTIVELY BALANCE DISINFORMATION NARRATIVES AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION WITHIN EU MEDIA POLICY?
The paper offers a perspective on the growing challenge of balancing disinformation
narratives and freedom of expression within European Union (EU) media policy. It
claims that within current approaches such a balance cannot be achieved and that a
serious look at the drivers of media consumption trends and EU media policies on
disinformation is required. Within the current frame of reference there is a need to
carefully consider what we mean by freedom of expression. This paper argues that one
aspect to consider is how current EU media policy, online media consumption and
monetisation models create a space where attention-grabbing and emotionally charged
content is favoured. This viewpoint might shed light on how these trends may potentially
be overshadowing important but less attention-grabbing voices or perspectives. The
article contends that one possible approach would be policies which encourage
prioritising and investing in not-for-profit and participatory media systems built on
community ownership and grassroots input.
Key words: disinformation, freedom of expression, EU, media policy [+]
Evaluating VLOP and VLOSE Implementation of the Strengthened EU Code of Practice on Disinformation in Bulgaria
In June of 2022, Google, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok, Twitter (rebranded as X) and a selection of advertising industry companies all signed up to the strengthened Code of Practice on Disinformation (European Commission, 2022). One of the goals of this strengthened version of the code was to empower the industry to adhere to self-regulatory standards in order to combat disinformation. The strengthened code also claims to set a more ambitious set of commitments and measures aimed at combating disinformation online.
Our aim here is to offer an assessment or evaluation of the implementation of the 2022 Code of Practice on Disinformation (CoP) by these companies in Bulgaria. Very little information exists on the implementation of the strengthened Code of Practice when it comes to Bulgaria by Very Large Online Platforms and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOP and VLOSE) and this is a country which is particularly vulnerable to disinformation narratives. [+]
The Bulgarian-Romanian Observatory on Disinformation (BROD): a Bridge to the Future
The European Union is currently facing multiple crises, not restricted to but including the COVID‑19 pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, ecological and energy-related challenges, immigration pressures, and internal social and political issues. However, Europe and the EU are also defined by their know-how, culture, multilingualism, and contributions to the evolution of Western civilisation, a legacy that should be honoured and progressed to meet contemporary challenges. Our responsibility and hope lie in transforming society sustainably and intelligently in order to respond to anticipated and unanticipated changes. One possible instrument to do so is through European media observatories like the European Media Observatory (EDMO), which can serve as hubs for this purpose. The Bulgarian-Romanian Observatory on Disinformation (BROD) is one of the hubs collaborating with EDMO, which brings together journalists, fact-checkers, public figures, and academic researchers to work towards a society better prepared to tackle disinformation. This paper provides a broad overview of its setup and discusses some of the current challenges in monitoring the progress in counteracting disinformation. [+]
Evaluating the Implementation of the EU Code of Practice on Disinformation in Romania
In Romania, the National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications (ANCOM) was recently designated as the Digital Services Coordinator, responsible for overseeing and ensuring compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA). ANCOM has also become part of the European Board for Digital Services, collaborating with other national coordinators, conducting joint investigations, issuing opinions and recommendations, and contributing to developing and implementing guidelines and reports related to the DSA. [+]
The disinformation landscape in Bulgaria
In recent years Bulgaria has been in constant early elections (five national votes in two years) and governed by a caretaker cabinet for more than a year. Political tensions in the country are a result of several corruption scandals that have led to a deepening lack of trust in the institutions. As a result, powerful societal and political divisions remain impossible to bridge. This mistrust in official institutions and societal divisions are an ideal breeding ground for disinformation. [+]