The Lithuanian College of Democracy (LDUK), which has been systematically strengthening the resilience of civil society to disinformation and information threats for several years, implemented the C.L.E.A.R. project (Countering Lies, Empowering Awareness and Resilience) in 2025.
C.L.E.A.R. continued LDUK’s consistent and long-term work. In previous initiatives, the College had already organized training sessions for the NGO sector on recognizing disinformation and crisis communication. In 2024, through the “GUARD” project, the resilience of organizations to information-related risks was further strengthened. This accumulated experience enabled the College to strategically expand its activities in 2025, focusing on the challenges posed by AI-generated disinformation.
Through the C.L.E.A.R. project, LDUK organized two specialized training sessions attended by 32 representatives of non-governmental organizations from different regions of Lithuania. Participants gained practical skills in applying OSINT and fact-checking methods, identifying AI-generated content, analyzing manipulative narratives, and managing crisis communication in cases of reputational attack
Two practical training sessions were organized within the project, aimed at strengthening NGOs’ capacities to identify AI-generated content, apply fact-checking (OSINT) methods, analyze manipulative narratives, and organize crisis communication. The training focused on simulating real-life situations and developing clear response mechanisms within organizations.
Evaluation data indicate significant growth in competencies:
knowledge about artificial intelligence increased by 52%;
the ability to recognize disinformation improved by 37%;
the overall level of understanding of AI and disinformation after the training reached approximately 75%;
information verification skills increased by 45%.
Changes were also observed in organizational practices:
100% of participants reported improved responses to disinformation;
92% noted strengthened internal communication processes;
67% of organizations updated their digital security practices;
58% initiated internal training sessions within their teams to ensure knowledge continuity.
“Information threats posed by artificial intelligence require systematic preparedness. It is important not only to recognize the risks, but also to have clear response mechanisms within the organization,” says Eglė Celiešienė, Member of the Board of the Lithuanian College of Democracy.
During the training sessions, forms of AI-generated disinformation, “deepfake” content, fact-checking methods, and OSINT tools were analyzed. This enabled organizations to acquire practical skills to identify manipulative content and systematically assess the reliability of information.
The influence of algorithms on information dissemination, the structure of manipulative narratives, and crisis communication strategies were also examined. Participants learned how to prepare for information attacks, strengthen internal processes, and develop clear response mechanisms within their organizations.
As emphasized by Eglė Celiešienė, Board Member of the Lithuanian College of Democracy, the project aimed not only to help organizations understand the risks posed by AI but also to integrate resilience principles into their daily operations — from communication decisions to data protection and strengthening cybersecurity.
The project was implemented in cooperation with the European Citizens Action Service (ECAS) under a co-funded European Union programme. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union or ECAS