IBA Annual Conference Miami 2022
30 Oct - 4 Nov 2022
Room 210, Level 2
Session information
The weaponisation of freedom of expression
Tuesday 1 November (1115 - 1230)
Committee(s)
Media Law Committee
(Lead)
Description
HumanRightsThe last decade has seen an explosion of content on social and traditional media designed to sow misinformation and social division. Whether tied to Covid, elections, climate change, nationalism, or other hot button issues, the content - some of it deliberately generated by rival states for geopolitical advantage - is fuelling such divorced realities that it threatens international stability. In response, many countries are considering or have implemented laws and regulations to control "misinformation" online. But is it possible for the law to distinguish between weaponized misinformation and the organic dialogue necessary for the democratic process? Can the law provide a response without infringing on fundamental human rights? Or do these cures pose greater risks than the disease?
Session / Workshop Chair(s)
Mark Stephens CBE | Howard Kennedy LLP, London, England; IBAHRI Co-Chair, IBA's Human Rights Institute |
Speakers
Samantha Bradshaw | American University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA |
Nighat Dad | Digital Rights Foundation, Lahore, Pakistan |
Scott Wilkens | Knight First Amendment Institute, New York, New York, USA |
Can Yeginsu | 3 Verulam Buildings, London, England |