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Essay / The role of the press in the post-truth era and the world of mobile domination
As strange as it may seem, fake news, hoaxes, propaganda and partisan information are not a new phenomenon. Nowadays, it has become even more difficult to filter out fake news due to free speech and social media that allows everyone to contribute to the publication and promotion of information. The problem becomes even more complicated as people choose to get their news through social media pages reflecting only opinions close to their own, thus being more prone to fake news. Due to the role that mobiles and, to a large extent, social media play, these days it might be difficult to take action without people reacting. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original EssayLike many other countries, Italy also has to face the mentioned problems. In 2016, we faced issues such as political influence over the public broadcaster and high concentration of media ownership. Although there have been many complications, progress has also been made, as evidenced by the approval of Italy's first freedom of information law in May 2016. Italy already has legal documents regarding the high media concentration stipulating that no broadcaster is allowed to control further. more than 20% of television and radio channels or more than 20% of the total revenues of the entire media industry. However, the reality is different; around 90% of the total television sector revenues are held by just three operators. Despite the many problems caused by fake news in Italy, censorship of media content is not a problem since the authorities do not actually engage in political censorship of online speech. However, since the beginning of 2018, Italian citizens have been able to report false news to the police. Although this is a recent ruling, defamation was already considered a criminal offense, punishable by a fine or imprisonment of up to three years. Additionally, a 2001 regulation, still in force, “combat” the problem of fake news by stipulating that to provide a news service, whether in traditional media or online, one must be a “licensed” journalist within the Communications Workers Council. (ROC) while also being a member of the National Association of Journalists. Finally, debates on the issue of “fake news” are also increasing in Italy and possible solutions to regulate the spread of disinformation have been proposed and discussed. Although the Italian government has made decisions regarding "fake news" and disinformation issues, there is still room for improvement. Proposals to address and regulate issues such as the proper implementation of the Freedom of Information Act have already been made. We have already seen some changes in the high concentration of media ownership in the country, a situation that we could improve by concretely applying the already existing regulations. In addition, laws relating to the close relationship between media and politics should also be developed. If we can separate media from politics, it is possible that information will also be less manipulated. As we have already indicated, numerous debates took place during which several legislative proposals concerning the sharing..