The rise of disinformation and information overload on the internet has led to a decline in trust in journalism. Additionally, research on fact-checking and disinformation has been largely overlooked in the Netherlands and Belgium. The Dutch-Belgian hub of the European Digital Media Observatory (BENEDMO) aims to prevent and counteract the spread of online disinformation in Flanders and the Netherlands. To this end, the BENEDMO hub exists by and for scientists, fact-checkers, media professionals and other stakeholders.
Our system uses automated network analysis and cutting-edge Natural Language Processing technology to detect and monitor disinformation campaigns across various platforms. This allows our partners to adapt and respond quickly to potential threats as they emerge.
By monitoring and analysing disinformation campaigns in the Dutch-speaking regions of Belgium and beyond, our efforts are helping to identify harmful trends, inform policy decisions, and support targeted interventions to mitigate the spread of false information. Our work not only aids fact-checkers but also empowers the public to become more discerning consumers of information.
For more information, visit European Digital Media Observatory