July 18, 2025 – The Independent Countering Disinformation Centre (ICDC) launched its new Regional Learning Call series, creating a space for partners to share experiences and enhance their readiness against evolving digital threats. The first session brought together 27 participants from across the ICDC network, along with experts from Romania and Ukraine, to address growing vulnerabilities affecting civil society organizations (CSOs) ahead of Moldova’s parliamentary elections in September 2025.

The discussion addressed key vulnerabilities faced by civil society organizations, including coordinated bot attacks, phishing campaigns, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, impersonation attempts, and platform spam. Findings from a recent ICDC network survey revealed that the vast majority of respondents reported experiencing coordinated bot attacks, primarily on Facebook, with growing concerns on Instagram, TikTok, Telegram, and organizational websites.

Lessons from Romania

Romanian expert shared recent election challenges in Romania, where disinformation tactics included:

• AI-generated deepfakes, anonymous leaks, and smear campaigns against CSOs.
• Manipulated narratives fueling division, particularly around minority groups.
• A rise in SLAPP lawsuits aimed at silencing civil society voices.

He recommended early-warning systems, secure communication channels, and closer collaboration with fact-checkers to counter threats effectively, emphasizing that emotional manipulation often leaves a stronger impact than facts.

Lessons from Ukraine

Ukrainian expert described increasingly sophisticated hybrid campaigns combining disinformation, cyber-attacks, and intimidation tactics. Content often cascades from Telegram to mainstream platforms, with CSOs facing shadow banning, false reporting, and phishing attempts.

Recommendations included real-time narrative monitoring, internal crisis simulations, pre-drafted message kits, and transparent communication with audiences during bot attacks. Strengthening cybersecurity and physical safety measures was highlighted as crucial ahead of Moldova’s elections.

The learning call concluded with a shared commitment to regional collaboration, improved protective measures, and proactive responses to hybrid threats. Future calls in this series will continue to build collective resilience and practical skills across the ICDC network.