World Press Freedom Day Conference: “Shaping a Positive and Inclusive Vision for the Online Information Ecosystem”

Time: Saturday, 4 May, 11.00 – 12.00 CLT

Format: In-person (Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral, Santiago, Chile, Room A2) and online.

For more information on the World Press Freedom Day Conference, including the event program, visit the following link. 

Session Description: 

The spread of disinformation online, which erodes information integrity, and the use of Internet shutdowns undermine the enjoyment of human rights, hinder the ability to seek, receive and impart information, as well as impede the realisation of civil and political rights necessary for democracy to flourish. 

State-sponsored Internet censorship is particularly prevalent during electoral periods, interfering with citizens’ participation in representative government and the conduct of public affairs, and affecting the ability of different actors to participate fully and freely in the electoral process. These periods are also key milestones where the integrity of information online is essential for human rights and the democratic process, but faces the most threats (including through the spread of disinformation and hate speech).

To address this, FOC’s Task Force on Internet Shutdowns (TFIS) and the Task Force on Information Integrity Online (TFIIO) have both been leading on diplomatic joint statements denouncing the use of internet shutdowns and advocating for the promotion of information integrity during electoral periods. 

This panel will reflect on how the two issues are interlinked, what the causal relations are (as internet shutdowns lead to further deterioration of information integrity, but a lack of information integrity online can also be used as a reason for states to impose internet shutdowns) and how the two topics can be addressed in synergy. 

The panel will bring the discussion to a local level, to discuss region-specific challenges faced. It will address the role the free media plays in efforts to promote freedom and human rights online. Outcomes will be fed into further work of both the TFIS and TFIIO under the FOC.

Opening Remarks:

• Carmen Gonsalves, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Chile 

Moderator:

• Michel Roberto de Souza, Public Policy Director, Derechos Digitales 

Panellists:

• Agneris Sampieri, LATAM Policy Analyst, Access Now 
• Costanza Sciubba Caniglia, Anti-Disinformation Strategy Lead, Wikimedia Foundation 
• Maryia Sadouskaya-Komlach, Chairwoman of the Board of Free Press for Eastern Europe