Democracy is unquestionably under siege in many countries throughout the Americas, and its consolidation since the 1970s has been uneven. Multiple surveys and academic studies have concluded that democratic backsliding and a democratic deficit are dangerous realities in today’s hemisphere. Democracy is not only about holding elections, countries can also still experience significant democratic deterioration even if they continue to hold them. 

In this context, it is essential to highlight the “importance of a dynamic media landscape, including traditional and digital media, and the increasingly essential role played by social networks and digital technologies in protecting democratic environments.” (IACHR Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression, 2020). In that sense, and considering the contemporary challenges to free, independent and diverse media and the need for a framework that guides and foster transparent, accountable, impartial and accurate information; encouraging media and information literacy becomes indispensable, not only for the citizenry, but especially for news and information makers. 

In the face of the disinformation and misinformation propagated by governments both domestic and foreign, political parties and candidates, corporate interests and organized crime, the Center for Media Integrity of the Americas works to create and incentivize the human capital, i.e., working journalist and social media influencers to combat this confusing and distorting information citizens of the Americas now confront. 

The region is currently facing a complex and challenging situation. Political uncertainty and generalized health and economic crises, growing inequality, the deterioration of the quality of life and weak formal sector employment, growing erosion of the rule of law and institutional weakening, all contribute to a sense that democracy is not delivering the societal well-being it promises. Democratic principles, values, and mechanisms continue to be the best way to find legitimate and consensual responses to overcome these interrelated crises. Freedom of expression is one of the most relevant values and tools in any democratic system. This right constitutes the main instrument by which all the sectors of society make their opinion and ideas known, deliberate openly, and question issues of general interest or public affairs, exercising citizen oversight over the governmental administration.

The media have a fundamental role and a special responsibility to provide timely, truthful, accurate, and reliable information, but also to prevent panic and to promote cooperation. “The capacity of social media to amplify messages in seconds and to promote high-impact social initiatives is an advantage that would have been inconceivable in the past and is now available to the states.” (Organization of American States. Secretariat for Strengthening Democracy, 2020). Therefore, it is necessary to promote practices for the responsible use of social networks that protect freedom of expression and prevent the massive dissemination of false news or disinformation.