The caretaker Minister of Innovation and Growth, Irena Mladenova, asserted that effectively combating disinformation requires a coordinated effort spanning the technology sector, the scientific community, and state institutions. Speaking at the conclusion of DisInfoHack 2026 at the GATE Institute at Sofia University, the minister emphasized that these stakeholders must collaborate to ensure society can make informed decisions and resist external influences with unclear objectives. Mladenova highlighted that initiatives like DisInfoHack are valuable not only for their immediate outcomes but also for the foundational, long-term work they represent.
She noted that the structured format, which involves mentorship and sustained idea development, contributes to building durable skills. The minister expressed hope that participants have improved their ability to critically assess the credibility of information encountered in the digital flow. A primary objective of the initiative, she added, is to build a robust knowledge network.
She urged participants to disseminate what they have learned to their professional and social circles to maximize the project’s impact. DisInfoHack operates within a larger, three-year framework called Countering Disinformation Environment (Ecosystem) in Bulgaria (CoDE). This broader project employs a scientific methodology to analyze Bulgaria’s information environment, aiming to summarize effective tools and best practices for countering disinformation.
The minister’s call underscores the necessity of this coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to strengthen national information resilience.
Topics: #minister #coordinated #fight
A unified national strategy seems necessary to address the issue of disinformation.