During the opening of the DisInfoHack 2026 final event at the Big Data for Smart Society Institute (GATE) at the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, caretaker Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky stated that disinformation constitutes a threat far exceeding the scope of mere “fake news.” She emphasized that such content actively undermines public trust, causes societal division, and weakens the foundations of democracy. Addressing attendees, Neynsky noted that combating disinformation requires a combination of technological tools, critical thinking, deep knowledge, and the courage to question established narratives. She commended the young participants, characterizing them as a generation that resists accepting ready-made answers, describing this trait as a significant strength for both Bulgaria and Europe.
“As a foreign minister, I can tell you that a country’s security depends not only on its physical borders but also on the society’s collective capacity to identify truth,” she stated. She asserted that this foundational security begins with the vigilance of the public. The event itself is connected to the Countering Disinformation Environment (Ecosystem) in Bulgaria (CoDE) project.
This initiative employs a scientific approach to research and analyze Bulgaria’s information landscape, aiming to develop best practices and tools for effectively controlling the spread of disinformation. Neynsky’s address highlighted the crucial role of informed citizenry in maintaining national stability against external and internal informational threats.
Topics: #undermines #democracy #foreign
