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Heading into the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, the spread of misinformation is top-of-mind for voters. Many worry that misinformation can serve to undermine democratic institutions, polarize societies, and erode public trust. In this panel, experts will delve into how false information spreads rapidly through social media and private messaging platforms, distorting political discourse and fueling divisions. Attendees will explore the complex dynamics of misinformation, including the challenges platforms face in balancing user privacy and free speech with the need for transparency and content moderation. The panel will highlight both technological and policy-driven efforts to combat misinformation, from fact-checking initiatives to regulatory frameworks, while also addressing the importance of media literacy and the ethical responsibilities of both platforms and users. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how misinformation is reshaping the political landscape ahead of the election and what can be done to mitigate its harmful effects.
Panelists:
- Courtney Cooper (Instructor, School of Government & Public Policy; Global Policy Director, WhatsApp)
- Sahana Udupa (Professor of Media Anthropology, LMU Munich; Berkman Klein Fellow, Harvard University)
Moderator: Yotam Shmargad (Associate Professor, School of Government & Public Policy)