Surfshark backs Disinfo 2026 after government sponsors withdraw

VPN provider Surfshark has announced its continued sponsorship of the Disinfo 2026 conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, following the withdrawal of several government sponsors due to political pressure.

Organized by the non-profit EU Disinfo Lab, the event focuses on combating disinformation and online deception. The withdrawal of support from the European Union’s diplomatic service, Canada, and Lithuania occurred after reports that the Trump administration pressured these entities to retract their backing. The tension reportedly stemmed from a panel discussion exploring how the European community can build resilience against disinformation without Washington, specifically addressing a segment where the United States was characterized as a “foreign information threat.”

In response to the withdrawal, the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European External Action Service, and Global Affairs Canada removed their logos from the conference website, stating the program did not align with their official views on the role of the US in disinformation. Surfshark defended its decision to remain a sponsor, stating that “open debate must never be silenced” and emphasizing its commitment to the free exchange of ideas.