Digital disinformation and press freedom concerns rise in Argentina and Ecuador

Discussions regarding the integrity of political communication and press freedom have emerged in Argentina and Ecuador. In Argentina, academic María José Canel has highlighted the concept of ‘digital patrimonialism,’ describing the blurring lines between official government communication and unofficial accounts, including bots and troll farms. The analysis suggests that when government officials share content from these sources, they effectively officialize illegal digital practices. Furthermore, research indicates that false statements in presidential speeches in some countries have exceeded 60%.

In Ecuador, the newspaper Expreso has announced it will cease its print edition on October 9 after 53 years. The publisher, Granasa, has called a meeting of shareholders to address the company’s financial situation and the potential sale of properties, including the newspaper’s headquarters. Galo Martínez Leisker, president of Granasa, alleged that 70% of the outlet’s advertisers withdrew due to direct government pressure. The Inter American Press Association has called for an end to state harassment against the publication, warning that its economic decline must be examined alongside allegations of administrative and economic pressure.