04/02/2026
SmartVote at EmpoderaLIVE 2025: Key insights on training journalists to counter disinformation
Disinformation does not begin when a false claim goes viral.
It starts much earlier, in the training of those who have the responsibility to inform.
This was one of the core ideas behind SmartVote’s participation at EmpoderaLIVE 2025, where speakers examined how changes in news consumption are reshaping the role of journalism in the fight against disinformation.
Increasingly, people encounter current affairs first through social media, and only later—if at all—turn to news outlets. This reversal in the order of information consumption directly affects how content is interpreted and how public debate takes shape.
On stage, Miguel Paisana, Ana Pinto-Martinho and Raúl Magallón shared data and analysis pointing to an uncomfortable reality: the fight against disinformation is already being played out in the digital environment—and at a clearly global scale.
SmartVote is a European project that addresses electoral disinformation through training and technology, with a particular focus on journalists and young people. At EmpoderaLIVE, this approach was framed around a central question: how to prepare those who will report on reality in an information ecosystem dominated by endless scrolling.
Citizen Digital Sovereignty as the underlying framework
This reflection aligned directly with the main theme of EmpoderaLIVE 2025, focused on citizen digital sovereignty: the ability of individuals to understand, decide and act in an informed way within the digital environment.
From this perspective, countering disinformation is not only a technological challenge, but also an issue linked to digital rights, democratic participation and control over the information we consume and share. Training those who inform others therefore becomes a key factor in fostering a more critical and informed citizenry.
When information no longer comes from the media
During the session, Raúl Magallón explained that social networks and digital platforms have become the primary gateway to news, especially among younger audiences.
This shift affects not only the channel, but also the type of content that gains visibility: messages designed to trigger emotional reactions, oversimplify reality or reinforce polarised positions. At the same time, declining trust in traditional media makes it harder to sustain a public debate grounded in verified information.
Disinformation with an international passport
Miguel Paisana was clear: disinformation is no longer local or improvised. It is organised, professional and transnational.
Drawing on recent research, he explained how many campaigns share common patterns, structures and narratives that are replicated across countries, particularly during electoral periods. A significant portion of these messages aim to question the legitimacy of democratic processes, fuel distrust in institutions and weaken social cohesion. This global dimension makes detection and response especially challenging when addressed solely from a local perspective.
The answer? Train before debunking
In response to this scenario, SmartVote proposes a shift in approach: rather than reacting late to disinformation,the focus should be on anticipation.
Beyond post-hoc fact-checking, the project prioritises strengthening the training of journalism students and young communication professionals. The goal is to combine media literacy, critical thinking and the responsible use of technological tools, so that future journalists have solid criteria to identify and contextualise false narratives.
During the session, AI-based tools were presented that allow the monitoring of disinformation patterns on digital platforms such as Telegram, both during electoral periods and in times of crisis.
Artificial intelligence and journalistic judgement
Ana Pinto-Martinho emphasised the importance of approaching artificial intelligence critically. Without proper training, these technologies can amplify mistakes or misleading content. Used with journalistic judgement, however, they can support verification and analysis processes.
The challenge, she noted, is not to replace journalists, but to integrate technology as a complementary tool in the service of information quality.
A shared reflection at EmpoderaLIVE
SmartVote’s contribution led to a clear conclusion: tackling disinformation cannot be limited to immediate responses once false content spreads. It requires sustained investment in training and in strengthening journalism as a democratic pillar.
EmpoderaLIVE provided the space to share this reflection and to underline that, in an increasingly complex information ecosystem, preparing those who inform others remains one of the most effective strategies to protect democratic quality.
