algorithms and recommendation systems to products and functionality. Studies from a Latin American perspective on the adequacy or lack thereof of the rules of platforms headquartered in the Global North, as well as on the application of these guidelines in Latin American countries, would also be worthwhile. This approach could include linguistic aspects, such as content monitoring of automated systems in Spanish and Portuguese, and the limitations of the definition and application of such rules as they relate to the specificities of Latin America and the Caribbean. Such studies may contribute to an understanding of how these agents regulate public debate and the nature of their impact on democracies in the region. Another concern that emerges in the literature is the role of agents that produce and disseminate disinformation, especially when it comes to political authorities. However, the mapping of these networks and the analysis of authorities as promoters of disinformation are still more prevalent in research carried out by civil society than in academic work (such as periodicals, books, and theses and dissertations). Some authors have connected the risks of disinformation with its wider impacts on public debate and democracy. The measurement of these risks and consequences is an epistemological and methodological challenge, but it is necessary to evaluate them in a regional context in order to improve the understanding of this phenomenon’s impacts and ways to combat it. In the literature explored for this academic review, there are studies focusing on political processes, such as elections, mobilizations, and referendums. But the phenomenon is broader, and there is fertile ground for a more systematic analysis of its impact on elections, especially in terms of propaganda practices and the programming of public debates and influencing voting patterns. The dynamic character of the phenomenon (as there are elections every year or two in the region) represents a constant challenge for academics in the region, who must continue to analyze the impacts of disinformation and the evolution of its patterns in political processes. I N FO R M ATI O N D I SO R D ER IN THE GLOBA L SOUTH The studies selected for this review evidenced a significant and justifiable concern with the Covid-19 pandemic. Research on phenomena such as the “infodemic” and the spread of disinformation about the origins of the virus and about treatments is an important way to identify risks and problems in the health field as a whole, since many of these initiatives, such as those of the anti-vaccine movement, are not restricted to the pandemic. In this case, we noted a lack of empirical studies analyzing disinformation consumption habits in countries of the region. There are a few studies that aimed to take a general look at Latin America and the Caribbean, and a few comparative studies between countries. The establishment of networks that can develop joint research in the region represents a challenge. With respect to the responses to disinformation, we identified studies on the different avenues pursued by governments, parliaments, civil society, and companies. However, given the scale of the problem and the demand for effective solutions, research on the effectiveness of ongoing projects remains a challenge. Such an effort must be made in all four areas—fact checking, media education, policies of digital platforms, and regulation—since they all represent weaknesses that need to be evaluated in order to improve initiatives. As regards fact checking, for example, questions about the effectiveness and dynamics of content selection and routine checks point to the importance of further studies in this vein. In media education, an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the methods employed could indicate where changes need to be made. As for the policies of digital platforms, scrutinizing their formulation and effectiveness is key to bringing about improvements. With regard to regulation, the expansion and improvement of academic research is highly pertinent. The challenge here lies in articulating multidisciplinary perspectives, in fields such as law, political science, sociology, and communication, which still suffer from a lack of dialogue in the region. Legislative initiatives on the matter have increased in the region in recent years, with the approval of new laws, especially with the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic. An analysis of the impact on disinformation of this legislation, where it has already entered into force, can be extremely relevant for countries debating new regulatory proposals. In the areas mentioned above, research carried out by civil society entities has made important contributions.63 In order to focus on role of the Latin America and the Caribbean – 1 2 8