How to Improve Information Ecosystem in the European Union and Avoid the Trend of Digital Authoritarianism?

The concept of digital authoritarianism is typically associated with undemocratic and authoritarian regimes. However, authoritarian and illiberal practices in the digital sphere can be also found in the West. One of the pillars of democracy is a free flow of factually accurate information, important for people’s engagement with politics that is usually associated with news and information. If the information ecosystem, crucial for democratic governance is blurred, public debates can be distorted. At the centre of this paper is technology and official information. The focus is on two case studies that relate to a set of narratives in the European Union (EU). The research examines disinformation/digital authoritarianism through the lens of the use of technology and certain narratives that relate to consequences which typically concern average population the most. The period of examination is since 2022 to present. The finding is that resorting to technology as an excuse to prevent certain outcomes, and applying particular official narratives that can add to political polarisation, should be avoided, if the EU does not want to join the trend of digital authoritarianism.