Abstract

There is a global crisis of trust in reliable, accurate sources of news and information. This has serious real-world consequences and undermines trust in democratic governments, elections and institutions.

State and non-state actors spread malicious disinformation, misinformation and conspiracy theories, amplified by social media and AI-driven deep fake digital technology and data manipulation. Mendacious politicians tell “big lies” that credulous audiences believe, fueled by partisan media funded by shadowy donors with hidden agendas. Many states censor legitimate news channels.

How should we tackle the crisis of trust in reliable, accurate sources of news and ensure access to trustworthy news and information, to protect democracy?

Please join us online for this FREE University of Cambridge Sinews of Development event as we consider one of the most important issues in development.

Chaired by The Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP, the UK’s Minister for Development and Africa in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Speakers:

Simon Bishop, CEO BBC Media Action

Madhav Chinappa, Media consultant and former Director of News Ecosystem Development at Google

Dr Kerry McInerney, Research Fellow at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence

14th December 2023 online at 17:00 GMT /12.00 EST