European media literacy policy study  

Google commissioned Ecorys to deliver a programme of media literacy research, evaluation and stakeholder engagement. The study aimed to:

• assess the implications of emerging technologies, including Generative AI, for tackling disinformation and promoting online safety.
• inform an agenda for collaboration on media literacy initiatives across industry, public sector and civil society in Europe; and,
• guide future policy decisions by Google.org, YouTube, and Google.

Carried out between September 2023 and July 2024, the work included:

1. A mapping and review of Europe’s media literacy policy and practice landscape, accompanied by deep dives in eight countries:
   • France
   • Germany
   • Ireland
   • Italy
   • Poland
   • Romania
   • Spain
   • United Kingdom
2. A learning review of Google’s media literacy initiatives and partnerships in Europe, incorporating three detailed case studies:
   • Prebunking initiatives
   • Be Internet Awesome
   • Super Searchers
3. A policy workshop, bringing together key experts from industry, public sector, civil society and academia to test the emerging study findings. 

The Ecorys team worked with independent expert advisers from LSE’s Department of Media and Communications, who provided support and challenge throughout the project.

Key deliverables

The study provided new data and evidence to support Google’s work at country and European levels, gathering and presenting learning and insights from diverse stakeholders. It culminated in a set of reports, briefings and case studies, tailored to policy makers and practitioners.

The published outputs include:

Final research reports

A set of reports with a full account of the research methods, findings and recommendations, including:

• Research report #1: Google’s media literacy initiatives and partnerships in Europe – a learning review
• Research report #2: Putting media literacy on the map – a snapshot of policies and practices in Europe
• A children and young people’s summary.

Policy briefs

A set of policy briefs on priority media literacy topics:

• Policy brief #1: Generative AI and Media Literacy Education
• Policy brief #2: Enabling civil society to combat disinformation
• Policy brief #3: Engaging and meeting the needs of underserved population