7 7.1 Organizational recommendations Action points Addressing the evolving challenges of disinformation requires a coordinated, multistakeholder response. As this report demonstrates, MIL is a foundational tool for increasing information integrity, equipping individuals and communities with the skills necessary to critically engage with digital content. However, to maximize impact, interventions must be strategically deployed where they are most needed. The framework presented in this report provides a structured method for mapping existing interventions along the disinformation life cycle and across socio-ecological levels. This approach enables policy-makers, educators, civil society organizations and technology companies to identify areas where efforts are lacking or misaligned. Organizations should therefore: –Assess existing interventions: Use the combined life cycle and socio-ecological models to evaluate existing strategies. Are efforts overly concentrated on reactive debunking at the point of consumption? Are earlier and later stages – such as pre-creation (e.g. narrative inoculation) or post-consumption (e.g. critical reflection) – neglected? Example: A platform can conduct life cycle audits of its content moderation and educational interventions to ensure MIL is embedded in both pre-upload creator guidance and post-viewer feedback loops. –Identify gaps and expand efforts: While formal education remains essential, disinformation affects people of all ages and professions. Tailored MIL efforts should be developed for adults in healthcare, journalism, law enforcement and public administration. Example: Governments can work with medical boards to provide MIL certifications for healthcare workers exposed to health- related misinformation, such as vaccine conspiracy theories. –Engage vulnerable populations: Disinformation often exploits linguistic divides, access gaps and socio-political marginalization. Interventions must reach non- native speakers, rural populations and those with low digital literacy. Example: WhatsApp’s helpline model in India allows users to forward suspected misinformation to verified fact-checkers in local languages, offering an example of both linguistic accessibility and grassroots engagement.55 –Strengthen cross-sector collaboration: Effective MIL requires coordination across civil society, regulatory bodies and tech platforms to reinforce rather than duplicate efforts. Example: The European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) brings together fact- checkers, academic researchers and media regulators to build shared standards and data across EU member states.56 –Leverage community-based learning: MIL messages are more likely to resonate when they come from trusted community figures. Training local leaders, influencers and faith-based organizations can help normalize critical consumption habits. Example: In Kenya, a UNESCO programme partnered with community radio stations and youth to address the spread of hate speech and mis- or disinformation online ahead of national elections.57 Rethinking Media Literacy: A New Ecosystem Model for Information Integrity 35

Rethinking Media Literacy 2025