Online disinformation in the light of article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights

Online disinformation, having disruptive impacts on democracy and fundamental rights and freedoms, is one of the most important problems to be tackled in today's information ecosystem. However, it is highly possible that the regulatory responses to be given to tackle it will result in unlawful interference with the freedom of expression. The study maps out how online disinformation can be tackled without such interference. In doing so, it primarily interprets Article 10 of the ECHR and the case law of the ECtHR on the subject. The regulatory responses of the UN, EU, national regulations, and social media platforms are also referred to the extent required by the research. Tackling online disinformation should prioritize resolving the structural problems of the information ecosystem and building a secure one. In the case of legal regulations limiting freedom of expression, it should be ensured that these regulations are prescribed by law, pursue a legitimate aim, and are necessary in a democratic society.