MAAP 2022-24 - Action 14 - Supporting Media Actors & Harnessing New Technologies The new wave of `autocratisation¿ characterised by increasing executive power, erosion of democratic institutions, and a general constriction of fundamental freedoms is putting increased pressures on democracy. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this trend, with extraordinary measures used to shrink civic space both physically and online. Throughout this period, media freedoms have continued to deteriorate, reaching the lowest level for a decade. According to the latest studies, freedom of expression is under threat in at least 32 countries. In this context, it is necessary to reinforce the key role free media plays in democracies and democratising countries, through support to journalists and independent civil society organisations working with media.&nbsp;The rise in threats to media freedoms is characterised by an increase in the targeting of journalists, bloggers online activists and human rights defenders, the encroachment upon civil liberties and freedom of expression in the online and offline spheres, censorship and surveillance, as well as media capture. Digital technologies have been used to encroach upon fundamental human rights and undermine democratic system, just as they present opportunities to increase accountability and participation. Hate speech, fake news and cyber-harassment are spreading online, often leading to hate crime and violence. Disinformation and interferences undermine electoral processes.&nbsp;Supporting civil society and independent media to leverage the full potential of new technologies as well as countering their misuse and abuse is key towards mitigating the negative effects of these new technologies. The actions outlined in this document aim to increase the resilience of journalists and independent civil society organisations to the political and economic factors that undermine them. Based on the founding values of the EU and international human rights law, this action aims to promote and protect democracy (including elections) and human rights worldwide through actions focused on supporting and promoting media independence and freedom and by harnessing the opportunities and combating the challenges of new digital technologies, including in electoral processes. This program aims to effectively protect and support journalists, bloggers and other media workers and to strengthen public awareness and inclusive debate on the centrality of human rights and democracy in the regulation and use of new technologies. This action also will provide resources for digital security for civil society organisations and human rights defenders.The EU will support a global initiative in support of journalists and media actors working in most difficult contexts. This should complement the short-term support for safety and security of journalists provided by the ProtectDefenders.eu mechanism. The global flagship will have two objectives: long term support for journalists and media outlets at risk and capacity building for journalists and media actors. Risks for media actors are defined as repressive environment, risk of capture, conflicts, or extinction risk due to inadaptation to new technologies.