On March 26, 2025, Ukrainian refugees living in Bălți took part in a practical and timely training session designed to boost their media literacy and digital safety. The event, titled “How to Safely Use Social Media and Avoid Spreading Fakes,” was organized by the Human Rights Association Lex XXI as part of the STOP FALS campaign — an initiative led by the Association of Independent Press (API), a partner organization of the Independent Countering Disinformation Center (ICDC).

Participants learned how to identify fake news, avoid online fraud, and verify the credibility of information encountered on social platforms. Trainers explained how disinformation campaigns can target vulnerable populations, especially during crises, and gave tips on recognizing manipulative headlines, clickbait, and phishing schemes. The event also covered best practices for protecting personal data and reporting suspicious content.

“We talked about the different types of fakes and how to check whether a photo has been doctored or an article has been fabricated,” shared Tatiana Rusanovschi, one of the trainers. “These are basic digital survival skills in today’s world.”

This type of training is increasingly important for refugee communities who often rely heavily on social media for news, community updates, and access to services. In this context, the ability to recognize disinformation or scams can directly impact personal safety and well-being. The organizers emphasized that strengthening digital resilience is not just a technical skill — it’s a form of empowerment.

One of the participants, a refugee named Oksana, shared: “I thought I was careful online, but now I realize how easily we can be manipulated, especially when information looks real. I’m glad I learned how to double-check before sharing.”

The session in Bălți is part of a broader regional initiative to counter the spread of false information and support informed civic engagement. With Moldova facing its own challenges around hybrid threats and foreign influence, programs like these serve a dual purpose: helping refugees adapt and simultaneously reinforcing the country’s efforts to build a more informed and resilient society.