The Media and Democracy project is an initiative of the Fundação Getulio Vargas’ School of Communication, Media and Information (FGV ECMI) with the European Union to help strengthen Brazilian democracy, the integrity of digital spaces and the quality of online information. The partnership also includes the fact-checking platform Lupa; Democracy Reporting International (DRI), a German public debate analysis center; and the FGV Rio de Janeiro Law School’s Diversity and Inclusion Program and Center for Technology and Society.
The Media and Democracy initiative has three main areas of work:
- monitoring and analysis of digital media
- fact-checking
- and the creation of a council, involving researchers, civil society, representatives of the public authorities and digital platforms
What we do
All the work is focused on debate regarding gender issues, racial inequality, minority people’s rights, hate speech and other important subjects in Brazilian politics.
Public debate on social networks will be monitored weekly and monthly resolutions will be issued every month to underpin meetings held every two months in order to propose solutions for society. The work done by FGV is led by FGV ECMI, which will present analytical contributions made by the FGV Rio de Janeiro Law School, concentrating on the area of gender. The initiative will run for between one and three years, as part of the school’s agenda to promote high-quality public debate and strengthen democracy.
About FGV ECMI
Created in 2022, the School of Communication, Media and Information (FGV ECMI) is a pioneer in developing the new profile of professionals that will work in the strategic sectors for Communication, Media and Information of public institutions, private companies and third sector organizations. The School combines the tradition of FGV and the extensive experience of FGV DAPP in the application of Technology and Data Science to innovate and propose solutions in the field of Communication.
FGV ECMI offers highly qualified professors from Brazil and abroad, an internationally recognized teaching method and an innovative curriculum, cutting-edge laboratories, and networking and professional placement experiences for students.
Delegation of the European Union to Brazil
The Delegation of the European Union to Brazil is one of the EU's 146 diplomatic missions around the world. It represents the European Union in Brazil and works closely with the diplomatic missions of the 25 EU Member States accredited in the country.
The Delegation to Brazil promotes the values and policies of the European Union, represents the EU and its citizens, and creates networks and partnerships. By dialoguing with political actors, the media, academia, businesses and the civil society, it raises the awareness of the Brazilian public to EU issues and interests and promotes the importance of relations between the EU and Brazil. It also develops cooperation through projects and funding.
Lupa
Lupa was founded in 2015, beginning its journey as a news agency specialized in fact-checking and later expanding its activities to include teaching checking techniques and promoting awareness about disinformation and its risks.
Currently, Lupa works in two fronts: Lupa Jornalismo works on news stories, fact-checking, verification and special content, while Lupa Educação maintains a repository of research on disinformation and promotes workshops, training and media education in schools, universities, institutions and companies.
Lupa follows the news on politics, economics, cities, culture, education, health care and international relations, seeking to correct inaccurate information and to publish correct data.
Democracy Reporting International (DRI)
Democracy Reporting International (DRI) was founded in 2006 by an international group of experts on democratic governance and elections.
Recognizing a gap in a field that was dominated by big intergovernmental organisations and commercial consultancies, they decided to form a non-governmental, independent organisation that could analyse democratic developments and advise on constitutional and electoral frameworks quickly and flexibly.
Over the years, DRI has broadened its work from research and analysis to direct engagement with partners on the ground to improve democratic structures and safeguards across the countries where we work. It has evolved from a part-time hobby for a handful of people to an organisation with around 100 staff, spread across eight countries and three continents.
FGV Direito Rio Technology and Society Center
Created in 2003, FGV Direito Rio Technology and Society Center has the institutional mission of studying the legal, social, and cultural implications arising from the advancement of information and communication technologies. Our activities are developed with a focus on academic research and scientific dissemination, aiming to impact the development of public policies that defend democracy, fundamental rights, and the preservation of public interest in technological progress. Our focal research is on Internet Governance, Regulation of Digital Platforms, Digital Transformation, Data Protection, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence.
Diversity and Inclusion Program
The Diversity and Inclusion Program was created in October 2018 within the scope of FGV Direito Rio, joining several efforts to strengthen institutional diversity. In essence, the program seeks to foster debate on diversity in the professional and academic spheres, going beyond the institution's boundaries and providing an environment where values such as respect, dignity, equality, solidarity, justice, and freedom are prioritized. In this way, FGV Direito Rio reiterates the commitment to diversity and inclusion, actively engaging in the fight against discrimination.