Information threats and legal means to combat them: the case of Lithuania

Abstract

This research investigates the critical issue of combating information warfare through legal avenues, focusing on Lithuania's case. The backdrop reveals alarming statistics from the Lithuanian Democracy Sustainability Barometer study, highlighting susceptibility to Russian disinformation among approximately 300,000 individuals. Voices like Professor Tomas Janeliūnas and Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas underscore the grave consequences of false narratives, citing examples from the Ukraine conflict. In Lithuania's democratic framework, freedom of speech is fundamental, yet the study reveals the delicate balance between this freedom and the spread of harmful content, especially disinformation. Recent incidents, such as bomb threats via false emails, underscore the urgent need to address deliberate misinformation. The research sets clear goals to identify disinformation instances, assess legal countermeasures, and analyze societal impacts. Methodologically, it combines legal analysis with expert interviews in propaganda, disinformation, and national security. Findings highlight prevalent propagandistic narratives in Lithuania, aiming to undermine sovereignty and historical memory. Despite legal frameworks, enforcement gaps hinder accountability for propagators of hostile narratives, necessitating legislative changes to curb misinformation amid rising geopolitical tensions. In conclusion, the study advocates proactive measures to safeguard democratic integrity and national security. By addressing legal loopholes and enhancing accountability, Lithuania can fortify its resilience against disinformation's pernicious influence.