Barachini to Connact: “Better fund good information than censor bad one”

Brussels – The basic objective remains the same: “Strengthening media and information.” In Italy, the government is already working on this, assures Alberto Barachini, the Undersecretary responsible for Publishing. Now, a more European role is needed, he says at the event “The new frontiers of information and the EU cultural industry”, organised by Connact, the events platform that promotes dialogue between private individuals and institutions through meetings and networking opportunities. The event was organised in collaboration with the European Parliament, and here Barachini recalled what was at stake. 

Democracy is suffering from the rapid pace of technological progress, which is transforming the information landscape at an unprecedented speed. Artificial intelligence, algorithms, social channels, fake news: the challenges are numerous, all complex, and we must intervene by following at least three key points that the undersecretary is keen to emphasise. “The approach must be one of prevention rather than correction,” he premises. Because, he explains, “intervention after misinformation is a corrective, but, at the end of the day, it does not solve the problem.” 

Point number one is the premise for what follows. In order to have serious journalism and reliable information, it is necessary to “implement European support measures so that independent media have more resources to guarantee pluralism,” which is the prerogative of democracies. “This,” Barachini emphasises, “means financing journalism.” In Italy, he recalls, “we do this with conviction and seriousness, and we hope that European countries will understand the need for this financing at the European level.” 

Finally, there is a need for “monitoring the production and dissemination of content,” because, put in an extreme and effective summary, “financing good information is much better than censoring bad information.” In this regard, continues Barachini, “we must work, and the commission must work, to simplify the process for state aid to media.” 

As for the challenge posed by technology, “we must work, and work together, even with respect to international superpowers, to ensure that the rules apply to everyone, including big tech.” Barachini then evokes the defence of European autonomy to legislate in a sector that is still too free, and to defend itself against US pressures that would like Europe to backtrack on regulations concerning the internet and digital operators. 

Barachini stands its ground and asks the European Union to do the same. When it comes to information, “we need transparency and accountability of algorithms,” which implies making sure that platforms respect deontological rules; otherwise, information risks drifting. EU laws are welcome, because “the governance of artificial intelligence remains fundamental,” he insists. Another issue is that of popular web and social media personalities. “Influencers must be sensitised to respect rules and behaviour. In this sense, a good cue is Agcom’s initiative for a code of conduct for influencers.”