With the multiplication of tools to access the internet, we are exposed to information at a very early age. In this digital age, of fast-paced and often biased information flows, how can we empower young people? They are the ones that share stories, posts and create the “information bubbles” of tomorrow. How can we train them to spot fake news? What tools can we give them to develop their digital skills and their critical thinking? 

Transparency is one of the basic principles of good governance, and in times of disconnect and distrust between citizens and governments, its importance is only increasing. But can we truly reach it? How can we make sure that governments are held to the transparency standards? How can they interact with their constituents?  To what extent can we involve civil society to contribute to government transparency and accountability? How can we rebuild the trust between citizens and governments?

Information is pluriform: from algorithms to data to simple “news”, it is getting increasingly hard to be able to understand everything that is thrown at us. This lab will look at initiatives that explain, analyse and help us process different types of information. How do algorithms work? What do statistics and studies truly mean? How can we be better informed?

In a world of “filter bubbles” and “fake news”, Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being cited as both a problem and a possible solution. It is developing at a fast pace and having an ever-growing influence in our daily lives. In what ways could AI come to dominate our information landscape? Will the data AI collects allow us to see the inequalities in our society, or replicate them on mass?

Disinformation and “fake news” are saturating our media landscape, often helped by the fact that wild speculation is much more exciting than reality. The 2000s have seen greater ability for media and citizens to produce, share and get access to content – news but also increasingly disinformation...

As more journalists investigate the impacts and disclose environmentally hazardous practices, they are increasingly coming up against threats and harassment. This talk explores the ongoing dangers faced by journalists reporting on environmentalism and what can be done about them.

Our societies are increasingly aware of being exposed to disinformation, fake news or propaganda. We are ever more concerned about the authenticity of information in the digital age. One in two internet users say they are subjected to fake news. Some individuals and groups seem better equipped to cope with the phenomenon, due to the education, media literacy or exposure to alternative media sources. How can we build resilience in the societies to fight disinformation? From teenagers to adulthood: how can we raise awareness about media, social media, information sources and their traps? What tools do we have to help fact-checking?

In order to vote, citizens ought to be informed. It is essential to look at how some initiatives work at providing impartial information to voters on “current” topics during elections. Do we need additional tools against misinformation and disinformation in the voting process? Is there such a thing as an impartial information? If we were to be better informed, would that change the outcome of the vote?

It is essential, in the post #MeToo era to look at ways to not only advance gender equality in the media, but also to tackle gender bias, and protect female journalists, off and online. How can we provide gender-sensitive education for media professionals? To what extent do gender stereotypes remain in both the private and public spheres? Does it take women to provide unbiased journalism? How can we ensure the protection of female journalists in the era of hate speech?

Social media has come to have an outsized influence on the way we interact the outside world. As we discover more about how such networks affect our attitudes and opinions it is important to think about how we can ensure the integrity of information in democratic contexts. This talk will explore how to manage the impact of social media on our democratic processes.

Around the world, being a journalist is becoming more and more dangerous. From harassment and intimidation, to imprisonment and murder, journalists face increasing challenges. This session will explore accounts of journalists who have faced such challenges and ask what can be done to protect them more effectively.

This lab will look at ways to deconstruct fake news and to offer appropriate analysis of the situations they depict (through social media monitoring, websites, news mark…). How do we raise awareness about disinformation? What are fake news and how do we spot them? How do we identify and counteract disinformation across many platforms?

Social media are at the core of information nowadays. This lab will tackle the pressing issue that is quality control of shared information in social media, through monitoring and accountability mechanism mainly. How can we use social media as an ally for critically assessing topical subjects? How do we hold them accountable for the information that goes through them? Is social media moderation and freedom of expression compatible?

Local media is a vital factor in building communities, making people aware, informing and engaging them. It serves as a crucial level lever for social change in the actions and everyday city life. However, as the role that local media keeps getting more important, the issues they face increase, and their identity and role starts to shatter. What is their role in the digital era? How should they be supported and promoted?

Against the overflow of information citizens have started to gather and use more offline, real, face-to-face interaction. The goal is to be informed and construct an opinion by participating directly in the exchange of information. There is a whole new era of shared knowledge that exists outside of the traditional and digital spectrums. How can we foster and improve the exchange between citizens about their opinions? How to reconcile traditional medias and digital medias?

Democracy is facing many challenges today. In Europe and elsewhere in the world we see a lower trust in the institutions, increasing political apathy, and political polarisation and fragmentation. Different kinds of manipulation and disinformation, especially during electoral campaigns, are on the rise, and highly polarised societies are the most vulnerable to this. But on the other hand, empowered citizens can now inform and express themselves as well as participate in decision making like never before. The challenge for democracy in the 21st century is to find the right means to protect the freedoms that come with more access to information, while limiting the risks that go along with them.

In the digital age, the prevalence of fake news and disinformation is reaching unprecedented levels. As citizens increasingly mistrust the information they are receiving, it is having serious negative effects on democratic societies. How can we ensure the reliability of the information we are receiving? How can we instil good fact checking practices while also rooting out disinformation?