Session Title: Media, Misinformation & Privacy: Who Controls the Narrative?
Background:
The rise of digital platforms has revolutionized media and information dissemination, enabling rapid communication across borders. However, this transformation has also led to the widespread challenge of misinformation and disinformation, exacerbated by algorithmic amplification, targeted propaganda, and deepfake technologies. In this evolving digital landscape, the intersection of media, misinformation, and privacy becomes a critical frontier for policymakers, journalists, civil society, and technology stakeholders.
Misinformation erodes trust in institutions, influences political processes, and can lead to real-world harm, while privacy concerns are deeply embedded in how data is collected, manipulated, and weaponized to shape narratives. Journalists and media organizations often navigate a delicate balance between protecting sources, combating fake news, and ensuring freedom of expression while maintaining ethical data privacy standards.
RATIONALE FOR THE PANEL
This panel will explore how privacy, digital rights, and journalism intersect in the fight against misinformation. It will bring together experts from media, technology, policy, and civil society to discuss key questions:
- How does misinformation exploit personal data and privacy vulnerabilities?
- What role do media platforms play in controlling the narrative, and who holds them accountable?
- How can privacy-preserving technologies help combat disinformation?
- What legal and policy interventions are necessary to balance privacy, free expression, and media integrity?
By addressing these questions, the panel will provide actionable insights into policy solutions, responsible journalism, and technological interventions to combat misinformation while safeguarding digital rights.