- Master
- Social Sciences / Psychology
- English
- Online
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False Information, Freedom of Expression and Digital Regulation in Europe
Understand fake news in the digital age.
This course introduces students to the complex relationship between false information, freedom of expression, digital regulation and cognitive bias. Participants will explore various dimensions of modern digital environments and their impact on individuals, societies and states. Among others, the course will study types of false information, how it spreads, why people believe and share it, how technology creates and reinforces it, and how Europe aims to address it while protecting democratic values and fundamental rights. Additionally, efforts to tackle it will be presented.
Through a combination of online lectures, quizzes, case studies and practical activities, students will develop the critical skills needed to identify, analyse and respond to misleading information in academic, professional and everyday contexts.
Participants who successfully complete the final assignment will be awarded a Certificate of Attendance by Neapolis University Pafos.
Course Availability: This course will be active during the Fall and Spring academic semesters of 2026–2027
Application deadlines:
Fall semester: 1 May - 30 September
Spring semester: 1 October - 31 January
Duration: hours / weeks: 20 hours total / 5 weeks
- 10 hours asynchronous learning
- 10 hours synchronous online learning
Course type: Online short course / blended online format
The course combines:
- Asynchronous learning through recorded lectures, readings, quizzes and self-paced activities
- Synchronous online sessions through live teaching, discussions, case studies and interactive exercises
The course covers four main thematic areas:
1. False information, technology and Impact
- Definitions and forms of false information
- Technological dimensions of false information
- Impact on individuals, societies and states
2. Cognitive and psychological dimensions of misinformation
- Why people believe false information
- Cognitive bias, emotional triggers and selective exposure
- The psychology of sharing, persuasion and online behaviour
3. Regulation and oversight of false information – EU policies
- Ethical and democratic dilemmas in regulating the information space
National and international approaches to the governance of false information (role of platforms and public institutions)
Challenges in balancing regulation, transparency and civil liberties
- Introduction to EU digital governance (Digital Services Act (DSA))
- European policy instruments for platform accountability and safer digital environments
4. Efforts to tackle false information
- reactive meaures – fact checking
- Proactive measures – media literacy
- practical training on tools and approaches
Learning activities
The course includes:
- recorded lectures
- live online sessions
- quizzes
- short reflection exercises
- case-study discussions
- analysis of real examples of misleading content
- group discussion activities
- a final applied assignment or mini-project
This course is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as lifelong learners interested in media, communication, politics, law, digital society and European policy.
No prior specialist knowledge is required.
Upon completion of the course, learners will be able to:
- understand the main forms and mechanisms behind the creation and spread of false information
- critically assess the relationship between false information and freedom of expression
- understand the role of technology in the modern information space
- explain the role of regulation and oversight in addressing false information online
- identify key EU tools, including the Digital Services Act, in the fight against disinformation
- recognise how cognitive and psychological factors shape the production, reception and spread of false information
- apply fact checking and media literacy skills to digital content in academic, professional and civic contexts
This course is particularly relevant for students interested in:
media and communication, political science, law, European studies, education, journalism, digital governance and social sciences.