Foreword

In a diverse and globalised society marked by growing inequalities and a concerning security situation, it is essential that we find common ground despite differences and conflicts.

We must be able to talk to one another. We must have discussions and debates that are fruitful and move us forward, even if we strongly disagree on issues. We must strive to maintain a healthy culture of disagreement.

The Internet and social media represent endless opportunities for this, but also countless ways to be confused and misled. Meaningful debate is impossible if those we engage with are fake profiles controlled by artificial intelligence and a hidden agenda, or if our understanding of reality diverges to the point that common discourse becomes impossible.

It is also evident in Norway that these developments could undermine public discourse, our sense of community, and the trust we place in one another and in public authorities. Ultimately, they pose a threat to the proper functioning of democracy.

The infrastructure requirement in Article 100 of the Norwegian Constitution requires authorities to facilitate open and enlightened public discourse to ensure that everyone can exercise their freedom of expression.

We therefore have a duty to ensure that disinformation does not undermine public debate in a way that hinders people from engaging with and staying informed about the world around them.

Social media must be held to account for their role in the propagation of disinformation. The public needs to be more discerning about sources, a diverse range of independent, editorial media must be maintained, and we must expand our knowledge to ensure that measures to counter disinformation are targeted and effective.

Maintaining and strengthening our resilience to disinformation is essential, which is why we are setting out this strategy now. The aim is not to censor or limit people’s ability to speak publicly, nor to eliminate all false claims.

We want to maintain disagreement and debate. We still want criticism – both reasonable and unreasonable – from the broadest possible range of actors. But it must be a debate that is not influenced by disinformation, where claims are met with real counterarguments and facts.

Strengthening resilience to disinformation will be a top priority in the coming years. It is essential that we act now; we cannot afford not to.

Lubna Jaffery – Minister of Culture and Equality