Launch of TED Network's Working Group 3 on Media and Digital

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In recent years, a series of reports and studies have consistently highlighted a worrying trend: a global decline in democracy, with freedom of expression being severely compromised. Amidst a growing wave of autocratisation, governments around the world are increasingly resorting to media repression, internet shutdowns, and cybersurveillance to stifle democratic dialogue and restrict the free flow of information. 

To address these issues within the TED Initiative, the TED Network’s Working Group 3 on Media and Digital was established and officially launched on 15 May 2024, emphasising the importance of collective action to bolster democracy globally. The Working Group is led by three EU Member States co-chairs: Austria, Denmark, and France, in cooperation with three Thematic Leads who are Global Forum for Media Development, Article19, and Free Press Unlimited. The goal of Working Group 3 Media and Digital is to improve the way democracy support is undertaken, with a dedicated focus on fostering healthier information ecosystems and strengthening information integrity, including through the protection of independent media and the promotion of human rights in the digital space.