The Digital Communication Network, in partnership with World Learning, is hosting a brainstorming session focused on the dynamic relationship between truth and democracy, as well as strategies to overcome challenges to truth. This event is being held in the context of the White House Summit for Democracy, which takes place virtually and aims to highlight the critical role that democracies play in addressing global challenges.
Truth and democracy are two fundamental concepts that are inextricably linked. A democratic society relies on the principle that its citizens have access to accurate information to make informed decisions about who to elect, what policies to support, and how to live their lives. However, in recent years, the rise of disinformation and relativization of truth in politics, social life, science, and public health is eroding democracy worldwide. This has created a crisis of confidence in institutions and leaders, which threatens the very foundations of democracy.
The problem of disinformation is a global phenomenon that affects democracies around the world. For example, in Europe, countries like France and Germany have seen the rise of far-right movements that have relied on disinformation to spread their messages of hate and division. Systematic information manipulation and disinformation have been applied by the Russian government as an operational tool in its assault on Ukraine. In Africa, disinformation campaigns have been used to stoke ethnic and political tensions in countries like Ethiopia and Nigeria. In the United States, disinformation played a role in the storming of the Capitol building in January 2021.
Combatting disinformation is essential to the preservation of democracy. In countries like Brazil and India, fact-checking organizations and independent media outlets have played an important role in debunking false information. In the United States, social media platforms have taken steps to label or remove false information, although some critics argue that these efforts have not gone far enough. In Taiwan, the government has launched an initiative to educate citizens on how to spot false information.
As a coalition of digital influencers from around the world, the Digital Communication Network recognizes the importance of reflecting on the connection between truth and democracy and is committed to identifying effective ways to combat any obstacles that threaten the integrity of this relationship.
In order to participate, you will need to register here.