The caretaker Minister of Innovation and Growth, Irena Mladenova, stated that effectively combating disinformation requires a coordinated effort involving the technology sector, the scientific community, and the state. Speaking at the concluding event of DisInfoHack 2026 at the GATE Institute at Sofia University, Mladenova emphasized that these stakeholders must collaborate to ensure society can make informed decisions and reduce vulnerability to external influences with unclear objectives. The Minister highlighted that initiatives like DisInfoHack are valuable not only for their immediate outcomes but also for the long-term work they represent.
According to Mladenova, the structured format of the hackathon—which involves mentorship and sustained idea development—is crucial for building sustainable skills. She expressed hope that participants gained the ability to accurately assess the reliability of information encountered in the modern media flow. A primary goal of the initiative, she noted, is establishing a robust network and broadening the dissemination of acquired knowledge.
Mladenova urged participants to share their learnings with their peers and colleagues to maximize the project’s impact. DisInfoHack is part of a larger, three-year project called Countering Disinformation Environment (Ecosystem) in Bulgaria (CoDE). This broader effort aims to develop information resilience through a scientific methodology.
The project seeks to analyze the information environment within Bulgaria, compiling best practices and effective tools for the coordinated fight against disinformation.
Topics: #minister #coordinated #fight
