Latvia - October 2023

The government launched the first centralized government platform to collect reports on dis- and misinformation and share knowledge about common types of information manipulation. The platform allows users to report content distributed through channels such as social media platforms, online media, print media, TV, radio, and apps such as Whatsapp or Telegram. The reports are processed and evaluated by the Strategic Communication Coordination department of the State Chancellery, an advisory and oversight office in the executive branch, which can involve the responsible institutions as needed to prevent the spread of misinformation. According to the platform, reports can extend to suspicious content such as misleading information, fake news, fraud, hate speech, and propaganda. The platform also features educational materials seeking to build capacity to identify suspicious content, including a manual published in 2022 in cooperation with universities and academics.

Sources: Melns uz Balta (1), Melns uz Balta (2), LSM