The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the European Union’s legal instruments in the field of countering disinformation and evaluating their effectiveness. The relevance of the study is determined by the growing threats of disinformation in the context of digital transformation of society, especially in the context of hybrid wars and information-psychological operations that pose a direct threat to democratic values and institutions. The rapid development of social networks and digital platforms has created favorable conditions for the mass spread of false information, which requires immediate improvement of legal mechanisms for counteraction. The study examines contemporary challenges of information security in the conditions of digital transformation, when disinformation has become a serious threat to democratic societies of the EU. The main instruments of disinformation are analyzed, including propaganda, fake news, disinformation campaigns, and provocative content. The activities of key EU institutions are examined, particularly the East StratCom Task Force and the EUvsDisinfo.eu platform. The legal frameworks are analyzed in detail, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Code of Practice on Disinformation and its updated 2022 version, as well as the Digital Services Act. Key achievements in enhancing transparency of digital platforms, limiting monetization of unreliable content, and strengthening requirements for political advertising are identified. At the same time, main challenges are determined, particularly the complexity of regulating dynamic digital ecosystems and the need to balance freedom of speech with protection from disinformation. Recommendations are proposed for strengthening sanctioning mechanisms, expanding investments in media literacy, and intensifying international cooperation. Special attention is paid to the significance of EU experience for Ukraine in the context of strengthening information security under hybrid threats. The role of European media monitoring and programs for improving public media literacy is examined. Specific examples of successful implementation of anti-disinformation measures in EU member states are analyzed.
I. V. Sukhorukov (Thu,) studied this question.