Prof. Sylvia Ilieva, director of the GATE Institute, stated that disinformation should be understood not as a crisis, but as a constant and evolving process. Speaking at the final event of DisInfoHack 2026 at Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski, she emphasized that the foundational goal of the CoDE project was to establish a sustainable network and ecosystem for countering misinformation.
Ilieva noted that this ambition, initially large in scope, has materialized into a tangible framework through the combined efforts of all project partners. She highlighted that contemporary disinformation has expanded beyond mere text, now incorporating images, video, and content generated by artificial intelligence, which significantly accelerates its dissemination and complicates effective countermeasures. To address this, initiatives like DisInfoHack, which she described as a “slow hackathon,” are crucial for developing a sustainable response.
During these events, participants analyze real-world cases and collaborate with experts across diverse fields, including technology, journalism, and institutional bodies. Ilieva stressed that this interaction is vital for cultivating the necessary knowledge base and skills required to combat disinformation effectively. DisInfoHack is part of the three-year CoDE project, designed to strengthen Bulgaria’s information resilience using a scientific approach.
The project aims to research and analyze the nation’s information environment while compiling best practices and tools. Ilieva expressed optimism that the initiative will continue to grow, fostering deeper participation each year to manage the ongoing challenge posed by the evolving information landscape.
Topics: #process #gate #director
