Media literacy is national security
In an age of disinformation, artificial intelligence, online scams, and political polarization, media literacy is more than just an educational issue. It is also a democratic issue, an economic issue, and increasingly a national security issue.
Media literacy equips us with the skills to think critically, verify sources, assess credibility, and make informed decisions for themselves, without prescribing what we should think or believe.
The Philippines has many strengths to build on. Filipinos are among the world’s most active internet and social media users. The country has a vibrant press, a robust civil society, and a young population eager to engage with digital technologies. Yet these same strengths can also create vulnerabilities.
Rather than asking whether misinformation and disinformation is a problem in the Philippines, we should be asking how the country can become more resilient to it.
Finland and the United Kingdom, are the current cochairs of the Media Freedom Coalition. We may not have all of the answers, but we do have some useful lessons to share. Finland has made media literacy one of the priorities of its leadership of the coalition, while the UK has emphasized helping societies navigate the opportunities and risks created by new technologies.
Finland’s success is not based on a single school subject or government campaign. Rather, media literacy is woven throughout the education system, beginning in early childhood and continuing through secondary education and adult learning. Students learn not only how to consume information but also how to create content, evaluate sources, recognize disinformation, and participate responsibly in public debate.
The result is a society that is broadly resilient to disinformation. Finland consistently ranks among the strongest performers in European media literacy assessments, sudia freedom, and high levels of public trust.pported by high-quality education, strong me
The approach in the Philippines will need to reflect its unique history and culture, but the lesson from Finland is that media literacy works best when it is systematic, long-term, and embedded across society rather than treated as a one-off campaign.
Similarly in the UK, through the work of Ofcom, the country’s communications regulator, media literacy is promoted as a lifelong skill that helps people use, understand, and create media across different platforms. The UK approach recognizes that responsibility does not rest solely with schools. Online platforms, broadcasters, parents, educators, regulators, and civil society all have a role in helping citizens navigate an increasingly complex information environment.
An example of this is the launch of the “You Won’t Know Until You Ask” pilot campaign and the Kids Online Safety Hub earlier this year. Together, they help parents and carers support their children’s critical thinking, resilience, and safe online habits. Tens of thousands of parents and carers have already accessed support through the hub.
In March 2026, the government published “A Safe, Informed Digital Nation,” a cross-government action plan for media literacy. It sets out how government will help people build the skills and confidence to navigate the digital world, access trusted information, think critically about online content and participate safely online.
This whole-of-society approach is particularly relevant to the Philippines. Media literacy should should be present in classrooms, workplaces, newsrooms, community organizations, and public institutions. Journalists can contribute by being transparent about sourcing and fact-checking. Schools can teach students how algorithms shape what they see online. Families can encourage healthy skepticism and discussion around digital content. Technology platforms can do more to promote credible information and reduce the spread of harmful falsehoods.
Importantly, media literacy is not a substitute for press freedom. The two reinforce each other. A media-literate public is better able to distinguish professional journalism from propaganda. At the same time, free and independent journalism provides citizens with the reliable information needed to exercise critical judgment. This is why the goals of media freedom and media literacy are closely linked within the international work of the Media Freedom Coalition.
A strong national commitment to building information resilience would be invaluable as the Philippines looks to meet these challenges. That means investing in education, supporting independent journalism, encouraging digital citizenship, and treating media literacy as an essential life skill. The Media Freedom Coalition will continue to work with and support the key initiatives of our Philippine partners from the government, journalists, and civil society in advancing media literacy.
Media Literacy Week is a timely reminder that investing in media literacy today is an investment in a stronger, more resilient Philippines tomorrow.
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MS Saija Nurminen is the ambassador of Finland to the Philippines. Sarah Anne Pascale Hulton OBE is currently the British ambassador to the Philippines and Palau.
