Fake news: responsabilização e tratamento da desinformação no meio digital

Abstract

Fake news represents a complex problem in contemporary digital society, as this misleading information is intentionally shared on the internet, with great potential to influence various aspects of social, political and economic life. The dissemination of fake news is facilitated by social networks and simplified language, contributing to its acceptance without verification. Although freedom of expression is fundamental, deliberate lies can cause real harm, both at an individual and collective level, on the other hand, freedom of information is crucial in democratic societies, however, fake news, once again, undermines this right. Bearing in mind that, despite not always being legally prohibited, lies compromise the search for truth and undermine trust in information. Truth and lies are complex concepts in the digital age, where technology shapes the way information is perceived. Furthermore, the rapid digitalization of modern life makes adequate legal regulation of electronic media essential. Given this, the challenge of Law is to adapt to digital behavior and guarantee the protection of collective legal assets, therefore, the criminalization of fake news requires a solid justification in order to control its damage and preserve morality, as it represents a threat to individual and collective rights, therefore requiring an adequate legal response to protect society and democracy.