The Argentine government launched the Official Response Office to combat disinformation and expose media operations, but the initiative drew immediate criticism over potential threats to freedom of expression. Deputy Laura Alonso and press associations like ADEPA and FOPEA questioned the state's role in 'manufacturing truth'. The controversy spread on social media with responses from figures like Santiago Caputo and Alberto Fernández.
Creation of the Official Response Office
On February 5, 2026, the Argentine national government announced the creation of the Official Response Office, a new body aimed at 'actively debunking lies, pointing out specific falsehoods, and exposing operations by the media and the political caste'. According to the official statement, the office seeks to combat disinformation by providing more information, without imposing a particular viewpoint, so citizens can distinguish facts from narratives. 'Democracy is not strengthened by tolerating lies, but by exposing them', was emphasized in the presentation.
However, the initiative sparked immediate controversy. Buenos Aires deputy Laura Alonso, from PRO, rejected the measure on social network X, stating: 'If there is one aspect in which the State should certainly not intervene in any way, it is in 'manufacturing truth'. There are no excuses'. She added that 'freedom of expression is the heart of the republican democracy' and that officials must personally respond to criticisms, even false ones. 'Never use the state apparatus to impose the 'official truth'. We hope this 'office' fades into an unforgettable X message', she concluded.
Press associations also voiced concerns. The Association of Argentine Journalistic Entities (ADEPA) warned about the potential use of the office to verify journalistic content. The Argentine Journalism Forum (FOPEA) cautioned: 'The Government cannot position itself as a tribunal of truth'.
Presidential advisor Santiago Caputo backed the office, criticizing journalism: 'A good part of the people who claim to be journalists do not want to practice the profession responsibly; now they will face an official government response pointing out their lies. It's celebrated'. This prompted replies, such as from a satirical account recalling Caputo's interruption in Jonathan Viale's interview with Javier Milei, and former president Alberto Fernández, who tweeted: 'The perfect nonsense' with the hashtag #PAVORNI.
The controversy highlights tensions between fighting disinformation and protecting freedom of expression, in a context where the government seeks to shrink the state but creates new communication structures.
