Observatory on information and democracy
The global research to policy platform on information and democracy
Who we are
Enhancing understanding of how the information landscape impacts democracy
The International Observatory on information and democracy is a global knowledge hub gathering scientific evidence on most pressing issues at the intersection of information and democracy. The Observatory provides states and society as a whole with periodic evaluations of the current state of academic research on information ecosystems and their impact on democracies worldwide. Our analysis aims to inform future-proofed policies, empower appropriate civic action, and stimulate further research globally.
The Observatory is an initiative of the Forum on Information and Democracy, the implementing entity of an intergovernmental partnership gathering 55 countries around the world.
What we do
The Observatory’s mission
The Observatory’s mission is to advance a collective and shared understanding of the information ecosystem and its impact on democracy to foster coordinated and effective responses from decision makers.

Research-to-policy interface
With a growing network of leading academics and experts in the field, and through the Partnership on Information and Democracy gathering 55 signatory States, the Observatory serves as a research-to-policy interface, directly connecting knowledge producers with decision-makers.
We facilitate collaboration between knowledge producers and policymakers by establishing a continuous interaction process. This approach ensures that the information generated is relevant and timely for decision-makers. The Observatory adresses policymakers’ needs by identifying key issues for research and framing these topics within a legislative and political context.

Research synthesis producer
The Observatory provides regular assessment reports on critical issues at the nexus of information and democracy, informed by a diverse range of views and expertise. Its work covers declining trust in news media, threats to information integrity, tech corporations power and datafication, or artificial intelligence and human rights.
By assessing the strengths of scientific consensus, exploring actionable recommendations and highlighting where further research is needed, the Observatory’s aim is to foster well-informed and coordinated decisions and policies among states, civil society, and the private sector in the pursuit of information integrity.


Our reach
Our Global Impact
By mobilizing hundreds of academic and civil society experts, aggregating thousands of regional scientific resources and collaborating with leading institutions, we are committed to positively influencing global debates.
A global network
We gather a global network of hundreds of academic and civil society experts
Data aggregation
We aggregate thousands of regionally-diverse scientific resources
Mobilization
We mobilize dozens of world-leading thought leaders
Institutional partnerships
We partner with top-tier academic institutions
Research-to-Policy
We inform representatives of 55 democratic States
International cooperation
We collaborate with relevant international institutions (UN, OECD, Council of Europe, OSCE, etc.)
OID’s supports
They support us




Featured reports
Our Reports
The Observatory produces comprehensive reports based on an aggregation and synthesis of all available research and data (meta-analysis). This ensures stakeholders share a common understanding of critical impacts while also revealing research data gaps and important variance across different regions. The Observatory employs a robust methodology that ensures inclusion of perspectives and expertise from the Global Majority.

Thematic report
Awareness of Mis- and Disinformation and the Literacy Challenge (chapter 5)
Our experts
A Global Pluri‑disciplinary Network
With a growing network of +300 experts across a wide array of sectors and disciplines, the Observatory serves as platform of exchange for governments, policymakers, regulatory bodies, Academics, NGOs, public information bodies, and tech corporations, to provide a shared understanding of how the current structure of the information and communication space is undermining democracies around the world.
Research cycles
Periodic Global Assessments
News