“Fake News”
A side event at the 35th Session of the UNHRC
13 June 2017, 14:00 – 16:00
Room XXI, Palais des Nations
Over the past year, the term “fake news” has emerged as a cause for concern in many parts of the world, generating debates over the credibility and independence of journalism and the means of its dissemination in the digital age, in particular the role of media actors, tech giants and governments in ensuring the public’s right to know and the right to freedom of expression.
The Permanent Mission of Austria, ARTICLE 19 and the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, invite you to discuss:
- What exactly is “fake news”? Does it vary from propaganda and disinformation?
- What are the main risks, threats and problems associated with “fake news”? How does it affect the protection and promotion of freedom of expression or other human rights?
- What does international human rights law require from governments when responding to “fake news”?
Panellists:
David Kaye, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
Eileen Donahoe, Executive Director Global Digital Policy Incubator, Stanford University
Rasha Abdulla, Associate Professor and Graduate Director, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, The American University in Cairo
Peter Cunliffe-Jones, Chair, International Fact Checking Network
Moderator:
Thomas Hughes, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19