In a proactive move to safeguard the democratic process, the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) has officially established the Advisory Board on Information Integrity for the 2026 Elections. Formalized through Ordinance TSE No. 495/2026 and published in the Electronic Justice Diary on August 7, this strategic panel is tasked with mitigating the mounting risks posed by misinformation and the sophisticated misuse of artificial intelligence. As synthetic content and automated dissemination tools evolve, the Court seeks to ensure that the upcoming General Elections remain protected against threats that could undermine institutional legitimacy, transparency, and the overall stability of the electoral environment.
The newly formed council is designed as a multidisciplinary advisory body, drawing upon a vast spectrum of expertise to combat digital threats. By expanding the parameters set forth in Ordinance TSE No. 949/2017, the Court has empowered this board to conduct deep analysis into phenomena that may compromise the integrity of the information ecosystem. The board’s composition will be highly diverse, incorporating professionals from fields such as technology, artificial intelligence, public safety, international relations, constitutional law, and civil society. This cross-sector approach is essential for addressing the multifaceted nature of modern disinformation, which often intersects with organized crime, public health, and fundamental rights.
A primary mandate of the board is the rigorous monitoring of information integrity, specifically focusing on how electoral campaigns leverage new technologies. The panel is expected to produce actionable studies and offer formal recommendations to the TSE Presidency regarding necessary improvements to existing electoral safeguards. Furthermore, the group will act as a bridge between the Electoral Court and various external stakeholders—including public bodies, private corporations, and academic institutions. This collaborative structure recognizes that contemporary electoral threats are no longer contained within the strictly political sphere, requiring a coordinated effort across sectors to maintain informational sovereignty.
Central to the board’s mission is the promotion of digital literacy as a core defensive strategy. Recognizing that technological intervention alone is insufficient, the TSE has directed the board to develop initiatives aimed at educating voters on how to identify, analyze, and counter manipulated or artificially generated content. By empowering the electorate with the tools to discern credible information from automated falsehoods, the board aims to create a more resilient public discourse. This educational front is intended to reduce the impact of digital misinformation before it reaches the voting booth, ensuring that voter decisions are based on accurate and verified data.
Participation in this high-level advisory capacity will be strictly voluntary and unpaid, designated as a relevant public service to the nation. The members, who will be selected by the Presidency of the TSE, are scheduled to begin regular proceedings in August 2026, with meetings occurring on a monthly basis. To ensure the board remains agile and responsive to emerging threats, the ordinance also provides for the convening of extraordinary sessions whenever the urgency of the electoral climate dictates. This flexible framework allows the Court to remain dynamic in the face of rapidly shifting technological landscapes that could jeopardize the fairness of the 2026 ballot.
The mandate for the Advisory Board is currently set to conclude on December 31, 2026, though the ordinance allows for potential extensions should the TSE Presidency determine that continued oversight is required. By establishing this permanent advisory structure, the Electoral Court is signaling a long-term commitment to threat prevention and the strengthening of public trust. Through the synthesis of academic research, technological monitoring, and proactive public education, the initiative represents a significant institutional investment in the preservation of democratic norms against the challenges of the digital age.
