In this in-depth analysis, Andrea Renda argues that the current policy initiatives adopted by the European Commission are meaningful, but still incomplete. The policy response to online disinformation should ideally rely on: i) the promotion of responsible behaviour in conveying information to end users; ii) the enactment of a proactive media policy aimed at promoting pluralism and improving the exposure of diverse content to end users; and iii) the empowerment of end users through media literacy initiatives, and supports to user behaviour.

Andrea Renda is Senior Research Fellow and Head of Global Governance, Regulation, Innovation and the Digital Economy at CEPS and “Google Chair” for Digital Innovation at the College of Europe in Bruges. This study was prepared by Policy Department A of the European Parliament at the request of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection. It is republished on the CEPS website with the kind permission of the European Parliament. This document is also accessible for free downloading on the Parliament’s website at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/supporting-analyses