In 1993 the United Nations General Assembly declared May 3rd to be the World Press Freedom Day. On that same day in 2017 the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Université Libre de Bruxelles and Gent University released a manifesto against fake news. 

The declaration calls for action from the public, journalists, technology platform providers and policymakers. The public is asked to actively exercise its rights, whereas has to responsibly share and create information. Journalists must deliver verified, trustworthy and high quality information while technology platform providers should arrange reporting mechanisms against incorrect information and abstain from using algorithms that produce fake news. Policymakers are eventually asked to guarantee a sound media environment. 

As the authors say: "It is a mission of public welfare to ensure the democratic health of our societies".

Tags: Fake news and disinformation
Publication Date: 02/05/2017
Research and Editorial Team: Ghent University - Université Libre de Bruxelles - Vrije Universiteit Brussel