Disinformation and AI manipulation pose threats to regional elections

Fact-checking platforms Istinomjer and Raskrinkavanje have released guidance to help journalists combat disinformation and AI-driven manipulation ahead of the general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The materials aim to provide tools for identifying new risks, such as AI-generated content, and emphasize the media's role in distinguishing facts from opinions to prevent social polarization.

In a separate context, European Parliament member Tonino Picula has warned that disinformation has evolved into a major security threat aimed at destabilizing democratic institutions. He cited the recent situation in Romania, where the Constitutional Court annulled presidential election proceedings following intelligence reports of coordinated TikTok campaigns, cyberattacks, and potential foreign interference. Picula also noted that older demographics are significantly more likely to share unverified information and highlighted the personal impact of targeted media manipulation.