“It’s time to open a discussion on ending online anonymity — in other words, removing the hoods,” said Paulos Marinakis, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and Government Spokesperson, during his participation in the panel titled “Institutions, Transparency, and Countering Disinformation”, held as part of the Athens Alitheia Forum. The forum is organized by the General Secretariat of Communication and Information.
Marinakis clarified that his remarks do not target freedom of expression, dissenting opinions, journalism, or criticism. “I am referring specifically to the commission of criminal offences,” he stressed.
The panel focused on the challenges disinformation poses to the public sphere, the role of the media, and the state’s responsibility in addressing it. Journalists Christina Koraï, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, Antonis Sroiter, and Stamatios Zacharos also participated.
Discussions centred on how news media operate in the digital age, the speed at which false information spreads, and whether the state and institutions can intervene effectively to curb the phenomenon.
“Action Triggers Reaction”
In response to criticism directed at the forum and the government’s initiatives against disinformation, Marinakis argued such efforts naturally provoke pushback. “If a ministry launches a campaign to combat fraud rings, who reacts? Fraudsters. If the Ministry of Finance initiates measures against fuel smuggling, who objects? Smugglers. Action in politics triggers reaction — and that’s logical,” he said.
He added that for years, authorities tolerated such behaviour. “The fact that we allowed this logic to persist for so long — without responding — may have emboldened all those involved,” he noted.
Aiming for a Lasting Institution
Marinakis defended the Athens Alitheia Forum, expressing hope that it will evolve into a permanent institution — one that endures regardless of which government is in power. “We’re at a conference we aspire to turn into an institution. Judging by public engagement and the calibre of participants, I believe — and believe it must — become an enduring institution, no matter who governs the country,” he said.
Addressing criticism over panel composition, he confirmed that all political parties had been invited: “We invited every party. Initially, three accepted. But when the programme was announced, SYRIZA’s representative withdrew; on the first day of the forum, PASOK announced it would not participate.” He added: “In democracy, history is written by those who show up.”
Referencing research presented earlier at the forum on the scale of fake news, Marinakis highlighted the findings as evidence of the problem’s seriousness — though the Greek source text cuts off before detailing the data.