At a Russia-focused exhibition and forum named Day Without Counterfeits, experts highlighted a striking trend: counterfeit goods disappear from shelves in roughly four days during 2023. That brisk turnover underscored the vast reach of the counterfeit market and the persistent risk it poses to consumers and legitimate businesses alike. Attendees examined a core question: how can society strengthen resilience against counterfeit products by boosting information literacy and fact-checking habits at the moment of purchase and as part of everyday life?
A clear conclusion emerged about education. Speakers argued that building critical information skills and a habit of verification should be integrated into healthier patterns of information consumption. A sociological lens indicated that a majority of people, around 65 percent, feel capable of distinguishing unreliable information from facts. The takeaway is not that people lack judgment, but that broad, systematic training can transform skepticism into a dependable daily practice. The aim is to weave rigorous checks into ordinary behavior so that consumers pause to question claims before acting on them.
Another theme centered on personal judgment in the digital era. A leading media figure stressed that firsthand experience online remains essential. The recommendation was not to distrust all digital content but to balance instinct with careful verification, especially when encountering new information, recommendations, or product claims. The message resonated with audiences navigating a flood of online signals, needing to decide which sources deserve trust.
Industry voices and scholars weighed in on how education supports fraud prevention. Leaders from higher education described how universities prepare professionals who understand counterfeiting techniques and who can apply rigorous verification procedures in real-world settings. This educational emphasis spans curricula, research initiatives, and practical collaborations with industry partners to ensure graduates carry a strong sense of integrity and the ability to scrutinize information under pressure.
For the session, a governance and collaboration expert led the dialogue, guiding participants through complex topics with clarity and focus. The moderator underscored the value of cross-disciplinary cooperation among technology, sociology, and business to build a solid defense against misinformation and counterfeit practices. The discussion showed how coordinated efforts across sectors can accelerate the adoption of better verification routines and stronger consumer protection measures.
In the spirit of Day Without Counterfeits, an intellectual exercise was staged to provoke thought and engagement. Teams from higher education institutions tackled scenarios involving counterfeit claims, digital trust, and ethical decision-making. The winning team came from a prominent university in Moscow, recognized for insightful analysis and practical recommendations. The exercise demonstrated that experiential learning and teamwork can sharpen critical thinking and cultivate a culture of skepticism that is constructive and actionable.