Disinformation and misinformation in the context of the Estonian 2025 local elections
As Estonia approaches the 2025 local elections, disinformation emerges not merely as a nuisance but a calculated threat to democratic resilience.
Oleksii Shpak underscores the urgency of strengthening societal immunity through concrete action. Estonia, renowned for its e-governance, must now invest in cognitive and institutional safeguards. These include media literacy campaigns tailored for youth, regulatory oversight of algorithmic content, and partnerships with civil society akin to Lithuania’s “Elves” initiative. National strategies must also draw on Sweden’s Psychological Defence Agency model, ensuring swift, state-backed responses to malign influence. Moreover, Estonia’s integration into international movements like NAFO enhances both deterrence and detection. In a digital age awash with synthetic content and psychological manipulation, Estonia’s best defence lies in proactive transparency, digital hygiene, and the cultivation of a critically engaged electorate.