Experts warn of digital threats to democracy and free expression in Panama

Experts convened in Panama have identified disinformation, coordinated smear campaigns on social media, and the excessive use of legal proceedings against journalists as significant threats to democracy and freedom of expression in the digital era.

During a recent forum, participants stressed the importance of promoting dialogue, critical thinking, and respect for fundamental liberties. These elements, they argued, are crucial pillars for a healthy democratic society, especially in an environment increasingly shaped by digital information flows.

Guido Rodríguez of the Fórum de Periodistas pointed out that threats like disinformation and paid defamation campaigns are widely recognized. He also highlighted the "exacerbated use of judicial actions, both civil and criminal," against reporters simply doing their jobs. "This is what journalism is, and it has always been," he stated, emphasizing the core function of informing the public.

“

Threats, for no one's secret, have to do with disinformation spread through social networks, defamatory campaigns that are even paid for through social networks, and also the exacerbated use of judicial actions, both civil and criminal, against social communicators who are doing nothing more than informing citizens about matters that some people do not want to be informed about. This is what journalism is and it has always been.

Rodríguez noted that while some threats are new, stemming from the proliferation of digital information and misinformation, others are long-standing. The "exacerbated use of the judicial system" remains a persistent challenge globally.

Echoing these concerns, Congresswoman Grace Hernández of the Seguimos party asserted the necessity of defending press freedom at all times. "It is the only way for citizens to have reliable information with which they can make their decisions or form their positions," she said. "If we are not free to be who we are, to communicate and express what we feel, think, and find, then we will not be free and will not have true information."

“

We have to defend press freedom at all times because it is the only way for citizens to have reliable information with which they can make their decisions or form their positions. If we are not free to be who we are, to communicate and express what we feel, think, and find, then we will not be free and will not have true information.