Mediterranean Digital Media Observatory (MedDMO)

The MedDMO project addresses the escalating threat of disinformation across the Mediterranean region, specifically in Greece, Cyprus, and Malta, where public trust in the media is alarmingly low. Disinformation has led to widespread distrust in public institutions and media, deepening societal polarization and undermining democracy. In response, MedDMO aims to establish a multinational, multilingual Mediterranean Research Centre against Disinformation, expanding the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) network into these three nations. The project will contribute to the EU’s goals of enhancing transparency in digital media, promoting media literacy, and reinforcing democratic resilience against disinformation, particularly in countries that have been underrepresented in current efforts. By fostering cross-border collaboration and integrating advanced technologies, MedDMO will address regional disinformation issues and equip citizens with the tools to critically assess digital content.

MedDMO’s objectives include developing cutting-edge methodologies for detecting and analyzing disinformation campaigns, with a special focus on local narratives and their broader regional impact. The project will provide resources, tools, and training for local fact-checkers and media organizations, enhancing their capacity to identify and respond to disinformation in Greece, Cyprus, and Malta. Furthermore, MedDMO will contribute to EU policies by promoting effective fact-checking networks, supporting media literacy campaigns, and strengthening the resilience of local media and public authorities. Through its coordinated efforts and emphasis on regional collaboration, MedDMO will play a crucial role in the EU’s broader strategy to counter disinformation, helping to create a more informed and resilient digital society across Europe.

CERTH is the coordinator of the MedDMO project and has a critical role in the project by leading the WP for establishing, operating, and expanding the MedDMO hub, creating a collaborative environment, and with a clear focus on interactions with EDMO and other EDMO hubs.

Consortium

CERTH: Centre for Research and Technology Hellas – Media Verification Team
AUTH: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki – School of Journalism & Mass Communication
UCY: University of Cyprus – Department of Social and Political Sciences
ATC: Athens Technology Center
CUT: Cyprus University of Technology – Social Computing Research Center (SCRC)
EH: Ellinika Hoaxes
AFP: Agence France Presse
ToM: Times of Malta
UoM: University of Malta