Plenary Session 2: Strengthening information ecosystems and tackling mis- and disinformation
Nov 17, 2022 | 9:20 AM - 10:10 AMPlenary room
Nov 17, 2022 | 9:20 AM - 10:10 AM
Plenary room
Description
The increased spread of mis- and dis-information significantly alters public debates, fuels polarisation, and threatens democracy and stability in both advanced and developing countries. Both national whole-of-society and more global solutions are needed in the short- and long-term to enhance a healthy information landscape, which is a core element of the solidity of democratic systems. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has highlighted the need for democracies to fight for truth and to reinforce spaces for fact-based engagement and debate. Responses to the threats posed by mis- and dis-information are multi-disciplinary and include protecting media freedom, improving media and information literacy and promoting effective public communication. To be effective in the 21st century, public policy responses also need to address the role of global social media platforms and identify innovative policy and regulatory solutions that improve the information space and preserve freedom of speech. It is now widely recognised that a whole of society approach is needed, requiring new types of partnerships between governments, civil society, and social media. This session will provide an opportunity for a multi-stakeholder discussion on tackling mis- and dis-information globally and in different country contexts and strengthen democratic resilience.