Safeguarding democracy: building resilience against identity-based disinformation

Understanding Identity-Based Disinformation

Identity-based disinformation, as defined by the European External Action Service (EEAS), involves spreading misleading or false claims related to gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion, and other identity markers to silence, undermine, or repress marginalized communities. Such disinformation destabilizes social cohesion, erodes trust in democratic processes, and leverages societal vulnerabilities for strategic gains. This approach is intended not just to misinform but to weaken democratic structures by targeting social groups, fuel l ing fear, and amplifying division.

The EEAS's Work Against Identity-Based Disinformation

The EEAS has taken significant steps to combat identity-based disinformation. It has led multiple investigations, both independently and in collaboration with international partners, that have uncovered and analy s ed the use of identity-based issues in hostile disinformation campaigns. Platforms like EUvsDisinfo share examples and findings to raise awareness about these manipulative tactics. In 2022, EEAS Stratcom partnered with countries such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Slovakia to release a joint report focused specifically on gender disinformation.

In 2023, EEAS Stratcom launched a multi-layered project addressing FIMI that targets LGBTIQ+ communities. This initiative not only increased understanding of FIMI tactics but also emphasized a human security perspective, essential to protecting targeted populations. Moreover, i nternational partners are increasingly joining forces on concrete actions, ranging from research to specialized training, to combat identity-based disinformation with a focus on security for vulnerable groups.

Looking Ahead: Building a Community of FIMI Defenders

Building on the momentum of these efforts, the EEAS aims to expand its network of FIMI defenders. This year, it is co-hosting a major event with Canada, featuring 22 prominent international speakers, who will share expertise and insights into countering identity-based disinformation. This vital opportunity to share best practices and deepen partnerships fosters a proactive community dedicated to countering FIMI threats.

In addition, the EEAS released guidelines on Open Source Intelligence , equipping organi s ations and defenders with practical tools to identify and counteract FIMI activities more effectively. These OSINT guidelines represent a future step toward building long-term resilience and supporting a cohesive network of defenders capable of recogni s ing and mitigating identity-based disinformation.

Through these initiatives, the EEAS is committed to empowering a global community to safeguard democracy against disinformation aimed at exploiting identity. We aim to expand knowledge and resources in this area to strengthen our collective resilience against attempts to divide, polari s e, and weaken our democracies.

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