Disinformation, Digital Hate, and Big Media

The proliferation of COVID-19 disinformation and misinformation on the internet has increased denial and uncertainty about the outbreak across the internet, while hateful content and speech has further stoked xenophobia and racism. Moreover, social media platforms from Facebook (including Instagram and Whatsapp) and Twitter to Google and YouTube, platforms are facing increased pressure to quickly respond to disinformation, fraud, online hate during the pandemic. What is the state of COVID-19 related information and news on social media? And what are the platform companies doing to combat disinformation and other harms?

This webinar will bring together researchers focused on understanding the spread of disinformation and hateful speech, along with journalists and advocates, to discuss what is happening on social media and how tech companies and governments should address ‘information disorder’ moving forward.