Past Event

Tackling disinformation in emerging markets

October 20, 2021 | 18:00 - 19:30
  • LSE Old Building, Houghton St, London WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom

About

The pandemic and associated lockdowns have given rise to an acceleration in ‘fake news’ around the world over the last year. The phenomenon of mis- and disinformation takes root, evolves and proliferates and can cause real world harm. Such stories found online are often particularly compelling; a little paranoia and urgency helps them to go viral.

This session explores the rising trend and evolution of fake news in emerging markets. Among the questions this session seeks to answer are:

  • How do we tackle misinformation and disinformation in emerging markets?
  • What role do fact-checkers play?
  • Is the nature of this fake news different from North America and Europe?
  • Do social media restrictions have an implication on freedom of speech and democracy, or are they crucial to prevent online harm translating into real-world harm?
  • How do we strike a balance between freedom of speech and expression versus security considerations?

In terms of providing context to the background of this session, please see this article on the LSE Media blog on How to stop the spread of conspiracy theories and build societal resilience against fake news.

Our speakers include:

When: 6 – 7:30pm, Wednesday 20 October

Where: LSE Old Building, Houghton St, London WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom (room tbc)

Who: This event is being organised by think tank Bridge India and LSE Developing Markets Society. There will be an audience of 50-60, made of up students and City professionals

Bridge India is hosting a series of workshops and events on the topic of fake news, particularly in relation to India. You can access this content here.

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"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."

– Mahatma Gandhi