divulgação

Divulgação is the act of making information, knowledge, or announcements public and widely accessible. In Portuguese, the term covers processes of publicizing and disseminating content across audiences and is applied in journalism, science communication, public administration, business, and culture.

Divulgação can take several forms and operate through multiple channels. Scientific divulgação (divulgação científica) seeks to translate research into clear, engaging language for non-specialists. Institutional divulgação includes communications by governments, universities, agencies, and organizations. Commercial divulgation, often referred to as marketing or public relations, aims to raise the visibility of products, services, or brands. Channels range from traditional media to digital platforms, including press releases, websites, blogs, newsletters, and social networks, as well as events and campaigns.

Goals and ethics: divulgação aims to inform and educate the public, promote transparency and accountability, support informed decision-making, and foster public dialogue. Ethical duties include accuracy, balanced representation, privacy protection, and compliance with advertising, consumer protection, and data protection laws. When involving data or personal information, consent and responsible handling are essential.

Challenges and trends: the rapid pace of digital platforms, misinformation, and information overload require clear language, accessibility, and critical literacy. Effective divulgação increasingly emphasizes plain language, multilingual content, inclusive design, and open access to data and resources. The credibility of divulgação efforts relies on consistency, transparency, and demonstrated commitment to public interest.