Iceland’s Foreign Minister, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, raises concerns about how public debate may be shaped before the country’s planned referendum on whether to continue EU accession talks on 29 August. In interviews reported by multiple outlets, including The Guardian and mbl.is, she warns that misinformation, including content generated or amplified through artificial intelligence, could influence voters. She also cites potential foreign interference as a risk during the campaign.
Gunnarsdóttir characterizes the situation as one that could resemble a “Brexit moment,” suggesting that fear-based campaigning could take hold during the final stretch of the referendum. The Guardian notes that Iceland’s decision is being watched internationally, including by Washington, Moscow and Brussels, as developments unfold ahead of the vote.
Opponents’ arguments and specific campaign claims are not detailed in the provided reports; the emphasis is on the minister’s warnings about the information environment and external influence rather than on the merits of either side’s case.
