Digital Democracy

Disinformation. Conspiracy theories. Extremism. Surveillance. Our democracy is threatened as never before by toxic online content. The social media giants seem unable, or in some cases unwilling, to control the flood of lies and manipulative practices. The staggering — often hidden — reach of Big Tech into our lives endangers civil society, our civil rights, and our privacy. In a "post-truth" world we risk losing the shared understanding that underpins our democracy.

Each month, we explore a different facet of this crisis with guest experts. Join us to learn, discuss, and work on possible solutions.

Upcoming Webinars:

More events coming soon!

Past Webinars:

Keeping Kids Safe Online

With Nichole Rocha is the Head of US Affairs at 5Rights

What are Algorithms? Are They Undermining Free Will?

With Cathy O’Neil, a leading expert on algorithms and the CEO of ORCAA, an algorithmic auditing company. She is the author of Weapons of Math Destruction: How big data increases inequality and threatens democracy.

The End of the Internet as We Know It?

With Maine expert Professor Scott Bloomberg of the UMaine School of Law.

Combatting Extremism in the Digital World

With Brian Hughes, the co-founder and Associate Director of the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL), where he develops studies and interventions to reduce the risk of radicalization to extremism.

Social Media and Election Disinformation

With Dr. Raleigh Levine, Professor of Law at Mitchell-Hamline School of Law.

Privacy and the Criminalization of Abortion

With our expert presenters, Kade Crockford of ACLU Massachusetts and Hayley Tsukayama of the Electronic Frontier Foundation.