BROD stands with AEJ in its support for the valuable work of fact-checkers


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The Bulgarian-Romanian Observatory on Digital Media stands with AEJ in its support for the valuable work of fact-checkers in helping to inform a more accurate informational environment. We also stand with and support our colleague Associate Professor Ralitsa Kovacheva and the Factcheck Bulgaria team. Regardless of our political viewpoints and beliefs, it is important to have respectful dialogue and exchange which is not based on threatening language and behaviour.

These are not, and have never been, the tools of those interested in freedom of expression. Contrary to what popular and influential figures, such as Mr. Zuckerberg and Mr. Musk, might suggest, there is a fundamental difference between providing information which is factually accurate and censorship.
To suggest that pointing out where information might be factually incorrect is censorship is simply a false equivalence. It is encouraged by those who use the idea of 'freedom of expression' as cover for irresponsible partisan political rhetoric or self-interest, with no real committment to the idea in practice.

Secondly, branding independent fact-checkers as censors, grossly distorts their engagement with the activities of online platforms. Fact-checkers serve to simply flag inaccurate content to platforms, the decision around whether the content should be removed or not is always made by the platforms themselves, not independent fact-checkers.

BROD urges public figures, especially locally, to consider carefully the impact of their words on the lives of real people. To refrain from using rhetoric which inflames misconcepts and division. The only way we improve the discursive quagmire we find ourselves in, is through civility, respect and the development of a transparent, inclusive and a quality informational environment based on facts.
 

BROD