Democracy and control of content on the network: Special reference to Spain

Abstract

Freedom of expression and the right to information constitute fundamental elements for the existence of democracy, in particular, the right to information includes both the right to give and receive information. The arrival of new information and communications technologies has produced relevant changes in the ways in which people perceive and disseminate information, but they have also given rise to the conflict of fake news or disinformation processes. This article analyzes the traditional requirements of truthfulness and public relevance of the right to information, as well as the dissemination of news through social networks. In addition, the main legal and political responses are proposed to counteract the consequences of disinformation, with particular emphasis on digital information literacy and the use of artificial intelligence