HOW TO ENSURE THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DIGITAL SERVICES ACT IN LITHUANIA

Citizens of the Republic of Lithuania who receive information via social networks have the right to be informed and the ability to defend their rights in the digital space by applying the provisions of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and utilizing its tools - specifically, by recognizing illegal political advertising and disinformation campaigns, and knowing how to report them to the platforms.

Project objective - to pilot DSA tools in the context of the 2027 Municipal Council elections in Lithuania, develop good practice recommendations, strengthen cooperation between civil society and institutions, and inform the public about DSA-provided opportunities to ensure political advertising transparency and protection against information manipulation. This model will be replicated nationally during the 2028 parliamentary elections, ensuring safer, more transparent elections and stronger democratic processes in Lithuania.

The project is being implemented at both national and regional levels. National-level activities aim to establish a mechanism for cooperation between NGOs and public institutions on applying the DSA and to ensure its implementation across Lithuania. At the regional level (in five municipalities), training for regional partners and civic audits - specifically, the monitoring of the digital space during the 2027 municipal council elections - are being conducted. The following municipalities have been selected: Vilnius District Municipality, Šalčininkai District Municipality, Švenčionys District Municipality, Širvintos District Municipality, Joniškis District Municipality. These five municipalities represent diverse Lithuanian regions and demographic profiles, ensuring that the developed DSA implementation model is tested in varied environments and can be replicated nationwide during the 2028 Seimas elections.

The project is implemented by the public institution Debunk.org in partnership with the civic organization Baltosios Pirštinės (White Gloves) and the Social Leadership Association (SLA) - organizations active in the fields of strengthening democracy and civic engagement, as well as human rights.

Timeline: 2026 - 2027

Programs: VERTA!, CERV