GFCN Expert Proposes Advancing BRICS Coordination to Combat Disinformation

Fact-checking and international coordination in countering false information make it possible to bolster security at the state level. This was stated by Timofey V, an expert with the Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN), at the Digital BRICS Forum 2026, held on August 20 in Pune, India.

The GFCN representative took part in the thematic panel discussion “Sustainable and Digital Resilient ICT Ecosystem”. Participants discussed cybersecurity and the development of trusted information and communication technologies, including the protection of children online, as well as the formation of resilient digital and ICT ecosystems.

In his remarks, Timofey V drew attention to the fact that in today’s environment, the boundless nature of the digital space is increasingly accompanied by a lack of accountability for the content created and distributed.

“One of the problems created by digital irresponsibility is false information. This problem is not new, but technology has made it much larger. Information now crosses borders freely. AI-generated content is growing very fast. National responses remain fragmented. We need better international coordination,” noted GFCN expert Timofey V.

According to the expert, countering modern information threats requires not only checking individual messages but also developing a robust infrastructure for international interaction. The exchange of fact-checking results and professional methodologies helps to identify false information faster and increase the security of the information space at the state level.

Timofey V named BRICS as a key platform for such work, emphasizing that the association operates on principles of consensus, which allow for the building of coordination on digital security issues taking into account the interests and national specifics of each country.

The experience of the GFCN also demonstrates the demand for international interaction in the field of information verification. Over a year and a half, the Association has brought together more than 125 participants from 54 countries. A quarter of them represent BRICS states and actively participate in the preparation of educational and fact-checking materials.

The GFCN shares accumulated practices for countering false information within the framework of the annual international forum “Dialogue about Fakes”. In 2026, the event will take place on September 22 in Moscow. The forum will become a platform for sharing experience between representatives of different countries and discussing joint approaches to identifying and refuting false information.

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The Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN) was established by the TASS news agency, ANPO Dialog Regions, and the New Media School to coordinate global efforts to combat disinformation. The platform is open to a wide range of participants — from large media holdings to freelancers and bloggers.