IDMO – Italian Digital Media Observatory

Reference center: Research Center Data Lab

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The Italian Digital Media Observatory (IDMO) is a strategic initiative established to address the challenges posed by disinformation in the digital age, promoting media literacy and improving the quality of information in Italy and Europe. Launched in September 2021, it received €1,400,000 in funding from the European Commission through a public call and was renewed by securing a second round of funding (€1,200,000) under the CEF Action 2020-EU-IA-0289-GA call. In addition to digital literacy, the Observatory is based on three other pillars: research, the study of new technologies and digital media, and the development of policy recommendations for public and private institutions.

Funded under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme by the European Commission through a public call, IDMO is supported by a major consortium coordinated by the Luiss Data Lab and includes partners such as TIM, Cy4Gate, NewsGuard, Pagella Politica, ANSA, and RAI. IDMO is part of a broad European network of observatories (covering all EU Member States) coordinated by the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), which also operates transversally on topics of international relevance. Its main goal is to study digital media and promote critical thinking in order to counter harmful phenomena such as disinformation, reinforce journalistic responsibility, and raise public awareness of the risks associated with information manipulation.

The project leverages cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to detect fake news, deepfakes, and manipulation campaigns in real time. IDMO recognizes that technology alone is not sufficient; rebuilding trust in the media and ensuring greater transparency in information are essential. Among the key stakeholders who have collaborated within the network are: RESET, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Defence, Google, Apyfi, Istat, IPSOS, META, X, and others.

IDMO stands out for its collaborative approach, working not only with institutional partners but also with universities and international organizations such as FIDU, the United Nations, Harvard University, University of Liverpool, University of Michigan, University of Dundee, University of Tor Vergata, Sapienza University of Rome, Ca’ Foscari University, and more. It has engaged hundreds of schools, universities, and public institutions, educating students, journalists, and citizens on how to identify and counter disinformation.

Moreover, IDMO is committed to monitoring online platforms, ensuring compliance with regulations such as the Digital Services Act and the Code of Practice on Disinformation, and collaborates with EDMO to provide fact-checking, educational resources, and policy assessments. Through awareness campaigns, public events, workshops, and an Annual Summit, IDMO aims to promote a more informed digital citizenship capable of safely navigating the complex online information landscape.

With its strategic vision and broad network of collaborations, IDMO is a reference point in the fight against disinformation and in building a trustworthy, transparent, and integrity-driven media ecosystem. Key outcomes of the project that make it a multinational success:

• Multidisciplinary, institutional, and international collaborations
• Media Literacy impact (reaching nearly one billion contacts)
• Scientific research outputs
• Multiple funding rounds exceeding €2 million over two project cycles
• Establishment of 5 external monitoring centers
• Strong media visibility

The Observatory aims to expand and strengthen research and innovation activities in the field of new technologies, digital media studies, and disinformation, in order to promote high-quality information in line with the times. Key focus areas include:

Analysis of disinformation dynamics: study of fake news dissemination and its social, economic, and political implications.

Development of innovative digital tools: creation of technologies for monitoring and countering disinformation, with a focus on AI and machine learning.

Training and awareness: promotion of educational and media literacy programmes for citizens, students, and professionals, aimed at enhancing critical awareness in the use of online information.

Stakeholder Engagement: establishing dialogue and partnerships with public and private institutions (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Education, European Commission, European Parliament, Meta, X, Google, NATO, FIDU, EDMO & EDMO hubs, and others).

The Observatory is of significant interest to the Center, the University, and civil society, as it will further consolidate IDMO’s role as a national and international leader in digital media research, offering innovative solutions to contemporary communication challenges. For the University, it represents an opportunity to attract competitive funding and develop highly qualified human capital. For civil society, it contributes to building a more informed and resilient citizenry.

From an economic perspective, sustainability is ensured through access to European funds (such as Digital Europe and Horizon Europe), partnerships with businesses and public institutions, and the provision of training and consulting services. The Observatory thus constitutes a strategic asset to scale up IDMO’s activities and generate long-lasting positive impact.