Authoritarian controls on internet access have increased at an unprecedented pace in the past two years, particularly under claims of preventing disinformation during the coronavirus pandemic. As more governments seek to restrict information, democracies must evaluate the impacts of these controls and develop effective policy responses.
Our panelists will examine the scope of global internet restrictions, current strategies and technology being pursued to circumvent them, and the prospects of policy solutions to mitigate the threats to free expression and government accountability.
Opening remarks:
Derek Mitchell, President, National Democratic Institute
Moderator:
Moira Whelan, Director for Democracy and Technology, National Democratic Institute
Panelists include:
Eileen Donahoe, Executive Director, Global Digital Policy Incubator, Stanford University
Alexandra Reeve Givens, President and CEO, Center for Democracy and Technology
Adrian Shahbaz, Director for Technology and Democracy, Freedom House
Nat Kretchun, Vice President for Programs, Open Technology Fund
Closing remarks:
Shawn Powers, Chief Strategy Officer, U.S. Agency for Global Media
