The parliamentary elections recently held in France and the forthcoming American presidential elections are exposing, once again, the challenge that disinformation poses to democracies. A healthy society depends on a community of engaged citizens who have access to a range of fact-based, reliable sources of information. But when fake news and conspiracy theories proliferate, polarization grows and the space for good faith, rational, public debate, shrinks. How has the role of journalism evolved in the era of disinformation? What is the true impact of deep fakes, AI, and targeted political advertising on the public debate? How can we ensure that freedom of expression is protected in the process? Do these questions play out differently in France and the United States and what we learn from these differences?
We have invited a panel of leading journalists and thinkers to share their reflections on these questions.
Louis Dreyfus is Managing Director of French media group Le Monde.
Anya Schiffrin is the director of the Technology, Media, and Communications specialization at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.
Duy Linh Nguyen Tu is a journalist and documentary filmmaker, and the Dean of Academic Affairs of the Columbia School of Journalism.
This event is co-sponsored by the Columbia Maison Française, the Alliance Program, the Technology, Media, and Communications specialization at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, and the Columbia School of Journalism.
The Columbia campus is currently open only to Columbia-affiliated guests (with a CUID). Outside guests who register to attend a public event will be allowed to enter campus for the event if we provide their names and emails ahead of time. Be sure to register for any events at least 48 hours ahead of time and you will get an email from [email protected] with a unique QR code giving you access to the campus. And don't forget to bring your ID with you.
Register here.