Disinformation: A Threat to the Security of Liberal Democracies - The Case of the European Union

This article examines disinformation as a structural threat to liberal democracies, with a particular focus on the European Union’s (EU’s) regulatory response. It conceptualises disinformation as an intentional manipulation of information aimed at causing public harm, distinguishing it from misinformation. The analysis explores the EU’s anthropocentric approach, which seeks to reconcile freedom of expression with the protection of democratic values and human dignity. It critically examines key instruments, notably the Digital Services Act and the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, both grounded in a risk-based model that shifts regulatory responsibilities onto digital platforms. The article identifies structural shortcomings, including reliance on private enforcement and the risk of over-regulation. The Romanian case concerning the annulment of presidential elections illustrates the concrete impact of disinformation on democratic processes. It concludes by advocating a governance model centred on digital infrastructures rather than content control, as a means of safeguarding democratic integrity