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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250925T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250926T235959
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20250915T180323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T180527Z
UID:513617-1758758400-1758931199@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:2025 Trust & Safety Research Conference | Stanford Cyber Policy Center
DESCRIPTION:The Stanford Cyber Policy Center will host its fourth annual Trust & Safety Research Conference on September 25-26\, 2025 at Stanford University. The conference brings together trust and safety researchers and practitioners from academia\, industry\, civil society\, and government. The conference aims to advance research in trust and safety while fostering the exchange of ideas across various disciplines\, including computer science\, communication\, policy\, law\, and political science. Registration for the 2025 Trust & Safety Research is open now.  \nRegister to attend here through September 23.
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/the-4th-annual-trust-safety-research-conference/
LOCATION:Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center\, 326 Galvez Street\, Stanford\, CA\, 94305\, United States
CATEGORIES:Conference
ORGANIZER;CN="Cyber Policy Center | Stanford University":MAILTO:cyber-center@stanford.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250929T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250929T130000
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20250909T201647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250909T201647Z
UID:513569-1759143600-1759150800@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Gender & Tech Online Talk Series: Technocapitalism & Environmental Justice
DESCRIPTION:The Gender and Tech Talk Series brings together leading scholars\, advocates\, and practitioners to discuss the intersections of gender\, technology\, democracy and human rights. It critically examines how digital platforms and technologies impact women\, queer and gender-diverse individuals while exploring pathways for more inclusive\, rights-focused digital governance frameworks. \nThe fourth talk\, “Technocapitalism and Environmental Justice\,” will examine the intersection of technocapitalism\, environmental justice\, and gender\, exploring how the global dominance of tech corporations exacerbates environmental inequalities and impacts marginalized communities. We expect to discuss the environmental and social costs of digital technologies\, focusing on how technocapitalism contributes to resource extraction\, waste\, and exploitation\, particularly in the Global South. The conversation also aims at addressing the gendered dimensions of tech-environmental harm\, highlighting how marginalized communities bear the brunt of these impacts. \nThis online series\, co-organized by Yasmin Curzi and Jess Reia\, runs monthly featuring two speakers and international perspectives. It began in April 2025 and will end in December 2025\, with the following dates and topics: \n4/25 | Digital Colonialism\n5/27 | Data Governance\n8/28 | Platform Governance\n9/29 | Technocapitalism and environmental justice\n10/27 | Data Work and Political Participation\n11/24 | Trans-inclusive AI Governance \nThe discussions will become a report published in early spring 2026. \nAbout the panelists \nTamara Kneese directs Data & Society Research Institute’s Climate\, Justice\, and Technology program and previously led the Algorithmic Impact Methods Lab (AIMLab). Before joining D&S\, she was lead researcher at Green Software Foundation\, director of developer engagement on the Green Software team at Intel\, and assistant professor of Media Studies and director of Gender and Sexualities Studies at the University of San Francisco. She is the author of Death Glitch: How Techno-Solutionism Fails Us in This Life and Beyond (Yale University Press\, 2023) and co-author of Notes Toward a Digital Workers’ Inquiry (Common Notions Press\, 2025). Her work has been published in academic journals including Social Text\, Social Media + Society\, and the International Journal of Communication and in popular outlets such as Wired\, The Verge\, and The Baffler. Tamara holds a PhD in Media\, Culture and Communication from NYU. \nPaz Peña is a Mozilla Senior Fellow for 2025\, dedicated to studying the socio-environmental impacts of AI data centers in Latin America. With over 15 years of experience\, she explores the intersection of technology\, social justice\, and feminism\, working with governments\, civil society\, and international agencies. For the past seven years\, Paz has focused her research on the socio-environmental consequences of digital technologies in Latin America. In 2021\, she established the Latin American Institute of Terraforming (terraforminglatam.net)\, a unique space for reflecting on the relationship between technology and the ecological and climate crises we face. In 2023\, she published a summary of her research in the book “Tecnologías para un planeta en llamas” (Paidós). Paz is based in Santiago\, Chile. \nJess Reia (moderator) is an Assistant Professor of Data Science and a Faculty co-lead at the Digital Technology for Democracy Lab at the University of Virginia. In 2025\, Reia was selected as an Andrew Carnegie Fellow by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. They are also a Visiting Scholar at Fudan University in Shanghai and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for Democracy & Technology in Washington\, D.C. Reia works primarily on topics of technology policy and human rights transnationally\, being interested in the untold stories in our datasets\, citizen-generated data and how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we think about evidence and representation. \nA policymaker by training\, Reia’s research and advocacy agenda has focused on building collaborations with government and civil society organizations in Brazil\, Canada and the US for over a decade\, resulting in numerous resources to support policy- and decision-making and academic publications in four languages. Reia is also a public scholar whose writing and interviews were featured in various outlets\, including Estadão\, Le Devoir and BBC. Before joining UVA\, they were appointed Mellon Postdoctoral Researcher at McGill University\, studying the impact of smart-washing and datafication in nocturnal urban spaces and their communities. Reia held a two-year mandate as a member of MTL 24/24’s first Night Council in Montreal. Prior to that\, they worked at the Center for Technology & Society at FGV Law School in Rio de Janeiro. \nReia’s latest book\, “Urban Music Governance: What Busking Can Teach Us about Data\, Policy and Our Cities” (Intellect/University of Chicago Press\, 2025)\, explores what happens when precarious urban cultural laborers take data collection\, laws\, and policymaking into their own hands. A transnational exploration of often unseen aspects of urban governance\, it examines the intricate limits of legality\, data visibility\, and resistance from the perspective of those working at the social and regulatory margins of society. \nCurrently\, Reia teaches courses for future data scientists on ethics\, governance\, and policy. Past courses have included a focus on urban data\, digital rights\, intellectual property\, and research methods.
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/gender-tech-online-talk-series-technocapitalism-environmental-justice/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:Talk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250929T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250929T130000
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20250923T145503Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T145503Z
UID:513691-1759147200-1759150800@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:AI Hype Working Group: Responsible use of AI in journalism | Public Tech Media Lab
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to the last session of our AI Hype Working Group! We are thrilled to have Natali Helberger (University of Amsterdam) joining us as a guest speaker. Find more information about this session below: \nProposition: Responsible use of AI in journalism begins with responsible procurement. \nAbstract: The resilience of a democracy is invariably linked to the health of a society’s media ecosystem. In a recent report\, the Dutch Council of Government Policy (WRR) characterized the democratic role of the media as providing the ‘infrastructures of the public space.”This also means that some technology choices are editorial and co-shape our public information ecosystem. I will argue that the constitutionally protected freedom of the media also entails duties and responsibilities\, including a shared responsibility for shaping our media freedom infrastructure. Subject to the capacities and resources of individual media organizations\, each media organization can have some active role in co-shaping the technological infrastructures for media freedom – be that through experimenting with value-sensitive recommender design\, opting in favour of open source software or specialized start-ups\, through cooperation with a national LLM project instead of concluding a licensing deal with Open AI\, Llama\, and Co. \nBiography: Natali Helberger is Distinguished University Professor of Information Law and Digital Technology at the University of Amsterdam and a member of the Executive Board of the Institute for Information Law (IViR). Helberger is an elected member of the Royal Holland Society of Sciences (KHMW)\, the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)\, and the Social Science Council of the KNAW. Helberger’s research focuses on how AI and ADS (algorithmic decision systems) are changing society and what the implications are for law and governance. She is the founder and co-director of the AI\, Media & Democracy Lab\, and of the AlgoSoc (Public Values in the Algorithmic Society) Gravity Consortium. In her function as expert\, Natali advises the European Commission\, European Parliament\, Council of Europe\, and national regulators and civil society organisations. \nRead more and register to attend on the Public Tech Media Lab’s website. Note: Event times are in Central Daylight Time (CDT). 
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/ai-hype-working-group-responsible-use-of-ai-in-journalism-public-tech-media-lab/
LOCATION:Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251001T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251003T235959
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20250926T200648Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250926T200648Z
UID:513746-1759276800-1759535999@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Event | Deep Dive: Data Governance
DESCRIPTION:Deep Dive: Data Governance\, a premier virtual gathering of leading AI & Data practitioners\, is a 3-day Virtual Event on Data Governance\, and Open Source AI. \n\nRead more about the conference and register to attend here.
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/virtual-event-deep-dive-data-governance/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Conference
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251015T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251016T235959
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20250923T142835Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T142835Z
UID:513683-1760486400-1760659199@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:The Future of Democracy: Speech\, Thought\, Sovereignty\, and Power in the Age of Platforms and AI
DESCRIPTION:The Open Markets Institute and ARTICLE 19 are convening a high-level two-day conference of leading thinkers\, lawmakers\, technologists\, and advocates to discuss the direct and growing threats to our democracies and basic liberties posed by today’s dominant online communications platforms\, the rise of AI\, and interference by foreign states. \nThe event will be a powerful statement in defense of human liberty and the sovereignty of democratic nations. We will be joined by Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa; former Italian President Mario Monti; former EVP of the European Commission Margrethe Vestager; and Jamie Raskin\, ranking member of House Judiciary\, among many other leading voices. Michael McGrath\, the Commissioner for Democracy\, Justice\, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection\, will be representing the European Commission. \nThis conference could not be timelier. In many ways\, the fight to protect freedom of speech and thought online is key to prevailing in today’s great battle for democracy. As the New York Times put it recently: “Trump Wants Europe to Stop Regulating Big Tech: Will it Bend?” \nJoin us in Brussels on October 15th at the Residence Palace and on October 16th at the European Parliament to hear some of the world’s leading voices come together to discuss how to collectively understand and counter these threats. The event will also be livestreamed online. \n\nRegister here for in-person or virtual attendance. Read more about this event on the Open Markets Institute website. \nNote: Event times are listed in Central European Summer Time (CEST). 
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/the-future-of-democracy-speech-thought-sovereignty-and-power-in-the-age-of-platforms-and-ai/
LOCATION:Residence Palace\, 155 Rue de la Loi\, Brussels\, 1040\, Belgium
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251021T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251021T163000
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20250915T161909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T162014Z
UID:513608-1761058800-1761064200@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Webinar | Democracy in the Digital Age: Foundations of Digital Democracy Analysis
DESCRIPTION:Democracies today face profound challenges. Digitalisation has reshaped political communication\, participation\, and governance. The public sphere — where citizens debate issues of common concern — has largely moved online. Digital technologies create new opportunities but also add complexity to politics and society. \nDigital tools have potentials to broaden citizen participation and can support civil society in novel ways and help fostering new governance models. The current crisis of democracy is therefore a turning point: it may lead to further democratic decline or to the development of democratic systems more resilient to today’s threats such as echo chambers\, fake news\, algorithmic politics\, and misinformation. \nINNOVADE’s digital democracy webinar will focus on three themes central to this debate. We will present the INNOVADE EU research project’s first research report\, the Interdisciplinary Knowledge Base on Digital Democracy. \nFirst\, Christian Fuchs from Paderborn University\, in his talk\, will ask: What is digital democracy? What models of democracy are there? How do they matter for digital democracy? Second\, Laurien Coenen from KU Leuven will take a look at open governance — the art of decision-making based on inclusiveness\, transparency\, and accountability\, supported by digital tools that enable participation and co-creation. Third\, Fatih Yilmaz from Beyond the Horizon will analyse societal developments that influence digital democracy\, such as the spread of misinformation\, the risks of foreign interference\, algorithmic bias\, and digital exclusion. \nThe seminar’s participants will be invited to reflect on key questions: How can we best advance (digital) democracy? Can governments move beyond symbolic consultation towards genuine co-creation with citizens? How can we prevent the erosion of democracy in a time of polarisation? By engaging with these issues\, the webinar will encourage dialogue across research\, policy\, and practice\, and highlight how digital tools can contribute to building democracies that are more inclusive\, resilient\, and future-oriented. \nWho should attend?\nThe event offers a forum for reflection and dialogue on urgent questions and will be of interest to: \n\ncitizens interested in how digital technologies change society;\npolicymakers and public officials working on democratic innovation\, digital governance\, or civic engagement;\nresearchers and students in political science\, digital governance\, media and communication studies\, sociology\, computer science\, and related fields;\ncivil society organisations and practitioners seeking to strengthen citizen participation;\ncivic tech developers and innovators designing tools for inclusive democratic practices.\n\nAgenda\n\n\n\n15.00-15.05\nIntroduction\n(Trust-IT Services)\n\n\n15.05-15.20\nWhat is digital democracy?\nChristian Fuchs (Paderborn University)\n\n\n15.20-15.35\nHow can open governance work in practice?\nLaurien Coenen (KU Leuven)\n\n\n15.35-15.50\nWhat global trends shape the future of digital democracy?\nFatih Yilmaz (Beyond the Horizon)\n\n\n15.50-16.15\nQ&A and discussion\n\n\n\n\nClick here to register. 
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/webinar-democracy-in-the-digital-age-foundations-of-digital-democracy-analysis/
LOCATION:Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251022T003000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251022T133000
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20251021T173722Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T173722Z
UID:514163-1761093000-1761139800@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Automating Content Policy
DESCRIPTION:AI is no longer just moderating individual posts — it is learning how to interpret and enforce policy itself. Dave Willner — who has led trust and safety teams at Facebook\, Airbnb\, and OpenAI — joins journalist Meg Marco for a conversation about the shifting terrain of moderation in the age of generative AI. \nFrom the tipping points of past technologies\, like the cell phone\, to today’s new “policy-rewriting machines” that can run millions of classifications in an hour\, Willner and Marco will explore how automation is changing the scale\, speed\, and stakes of online governance. \nNew systems can ingest a company’s policy documents\, apply them to vast datasets\, and make millions of classifications in hours. In doing so\, they both replicate the human task of drawing boundaries — deciding what falls inside or outside the rules — and extend that task far beyond traditional concerns like hate speech or misinformation. \nRead more about this event and register to attend here. 
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/automating-content-policy/
LOCATION:Hybrid
CATEGORIES:Talk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251023T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251023T170000
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20251021T164034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T164034Z
UID:514147-1761235200-1761238800@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Friend\, Flatterer\, or Foe? The Psychology and Liability of Chatbots
DESCRIPTION:As AI systems become more conversational\, the lines between tool\, companion\, and manipulator are blurring. What happens when machines start telling us what we want to hear—and when users start depending on them for emotional connection? \nIn this conversation\, journalist and author Kashmir Hill joins the Berkman Klein Center’s Meg Marco (Senior Director\, Applied Social Media Lab) and Jordi Weinstock (Senior Advisor and expert in tort law) to explore the psychological ripple effects of AI on users\, platforms\, and the legal landscape that’s still struggling to keep pace. \nThe panel will examine emerging research on AI “sycophancy\,” models that flatter\, mirror\, and reinforce users’ beliefs\, as well as the mounting evidence that frequent interaction with text-based chatbots can influence mood and behavior. As more stories of these psychologically damaging relationships emerge (especially impacting young people)\, the conversation turns to liability: when emotional harm or manipulation occurs\, who bears responsibility? Are AI systems becoming a dangerous consumer product akin to gambling or social media\, and what ethical or legal frameworks should protect users from their unintended consequences? \nRead more and register to attend here. 
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/friend-flatterer-or-foe-the-psychology-and-liability-of-chatbots/
CATEGORIES:Talk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251027T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251027T235959
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20250917T202252Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T202504Z
UID:513668-1761523200-1761609599@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:All Tech is Human | Responsible Tech Summit: Centering Humanity in our Tech Future
DESCRIPTION:“We’re excited to announce the theme of this year’s Responsible Tech Summit: Centering Humanity in our Tech Future. Our event will take place on October 27\, 2025 at the SVA Theater in NYC and will bring together key stakeholders from across civil society\, government\, industry\, and academia to discuss ways to strengthen and broaden the Responsible Tech movement. This is a highly curated gathering for 265 individuals. Key themes for this year’s summit include: \n\nReasserting human agency to align a tech future with joy\, creativity\, and human connection\nUnderstanding the implications of AI Companion Chatbots\nProsocial Design (Intersection of T&S and AI)\nAI Governance.”\n\n\n\n\nRead more about the 2025 Responsible Tech Summit and apply to attend here. 
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/all-tech-is-human-responsible-tech-summit-centering-humanity-in-our-tech-future/
LOCATION:SVA Theater\, 333 W 23 St\, New York\, NY\, 10011\, United States
CATEGORIES:Conference
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251028T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251029T235959
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20251022T185808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T185838Z
UID:514170-1761609600-1761782399@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:The Future of Free Speech Online | The Age of Constitutional Evasion: Jawboning and Other Forms of Government Pressure to Control Private Speech
DESCRIPTION:Hosted by the Center for Democracy & Technology and Stand Together Trust\, the Future of Speech Online conference is an annual event that brings together policymakers\, media\, academics\, corporations\, advocates\, and thought leaders to discuss today’s most pressing issues around free speech online. \n\n\nGovernments have always worked to shape the speech of private parties and these efforts have always threatened overcensorship of dissent and governmentally disfavored viewpoints. The current Administration in the United States is taking this common phenomenon to new and dangerous heights\, and the impacts are reverberating globally. Join us as we examine government pressure on speech intermediaries (also known as “jawboning”)\, particularly the Trump Administration’s efforts to shape online speech environments at universities\, news outlets\, online\, and in other contexts. \nThis year’s Future of Speech Online event will explore recent court decisions that increase protections against jawboning and how we can use them and other tools to reduce inappropriate government pressure on speech platforms while maintaining essential communications. Additionally\, speakers will examine the ways in which Section 230 might work to protect against censorship of vulnerable groups including immigrants\, trans youth\, and public health practitioners. We will also take a look at efforts to regulate speech produced by generative AI. \nSessions will also look at agency efforts to dictate editorial choices\, examining First Amendment limits on FCC and FTC authority to control or encourage particular editorial policies and the ways in which the agencies are trying to evade those limits. Finally\, we will talk about the unprecedented attacks against the speech of non-citizens and the various ways the government is using social media monitoring tools to silence dissent. And we will spotlight experts who have directly experienced (or work on behalf of those who have experienced) government pressure aimed at undermining free expression. \n\nThroughout the event\, we’ll hear from legal experts\, technologists\, and policymakers about what’s at stake in this important year for democracy and free speech.\n\nRead more and register to attend here. If you have questions\, concerns\, or access needs\, please contact events@cdt.org before the event.
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/the-future-of-free-speech-online-the-age-of-constitutional-evasion-jawboning-and-other-forms-of-government-pressure-to-control-private-speech/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Talk
ORGANIZER;CN="Center for Democracy & Technology":MAILTO:civictech@cdt.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251029T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251029T193000
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20250909T212613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250909T212613Z
UID:513603-1761762600-1761766200@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Understanding AI with Data & Society | Reorienting AI for the Public Interest
DESCRIPTION:​The New York Public Library and Data & Society present “Understanding AI\,” a four-part live event series exploring the social implications of artificial intelligence and its impacts on democracy\, the environment\, and human labor. Featuring key figures in the AI ethics field\, these events will take place in person at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) in New York City as part of the library’s 7 Stories Up program\, and will also be available to watch via livestream. This series of conversations will demystify the AI discourse and equip library patrons and the public with practical ways of understanding the current landscape. \nFor the October 29 event\, Data & Society Executive Director Janet Haven hosts a critical discussion about AI accountability and the public interest\, featuring professor Charlton McIlwain\, journalist Julia Angwin\, and civic technologist Catherine Bracy. \nThe concentration of power and lack of regulation in the technology industry directly shapes how AI is designed and deployed\, and whose interests it serves. That means decisions about these tools often reflect corporate priorities over public benefits. While AI is often held up as a tool to increase “efficiency\,” it is essential to ask: efficiency for whom\, and at what cost? What would it mean to create and oversee AI in the public’s best interest? How could these technologies be made more accountable to the people and communities they affect? And what is needed to create a future where AI works for everyone? \nTo join the event in person | Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins. For free events\, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance\, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time\, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program. \nTo join the event online | Whether you’re attending in person or online\, you must register with your email address.The Zoom link will be sent to you by email approximately one day before the event. You will need a device with audio and/or video and an internet/cellular connection to join. \n\n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS\nJanet Haven is the executive director of Data & Society. She has worked at the intersection of technology policy\, governance\, and accountability for more than twenty years\, both domestically and internationally. From 2022 to 2025\, Janet served on the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (NAIAC)\, which advises the National AI Initiative Office and the executive branch on a range of issues related to artificial intelligence\, and chaired the Rights\, Trust\, and Safety working group. \nJulia Angwin is an award-winning investigative journalist\, a bestselling author\, a New York Times contributing Opinion writer and a Walter Shorenstein Media and Democracy Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center on Media\, Politics\, and Public Policy. She is the founder of Proof News\, a nonprofit journalism studio that launched in 2024. \nCatherine Bracy is a civic technologist and community organizer whose work focuses on the intersection of technology and political and economic inequality. She is the founder and CEO of TechEquity and the author of World Eaters: How Venture Capital is Cannibalizing the Economy. She was previously Code for America’s Senior Director of Partnerships and Ecosystem and Director of Obama for America’s Technology Field Office in San Francisco. She is on the board of directors at the Data & Society Research Institute and the Terner Housing Lab. \nDr. Charlton McIlwain is Vice Provost for Faculty Development\, Pathways & Public Interest Technology at New York University\, where he is also Professor of Media\, Culture\, and Communication. He is the author of Black Software: The Internet & Racial Justice\, From the Afronet to Black Lives Matter and the recent PolicyLink report Algorithmic Discrimination: A Framework and Approach to Auditing & Measuring the Impact of Race-Targeted Digital Advertising. McIlwain is the founder of the Center for Critical Race & Digital Studies\, and is Board President at Data & Society Research Institute.
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/understanding-ai-with-data-society-reorienting-ai-for-the-public-interest/
LOCATION:Hybrid
CATEGORIES:Talk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251106T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251106T173000
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20251021T165213Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T173431Z
UID:514151-1762444800-1762450200@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Panel Discussion | Diaspora Wars and Going 50/50: Sowing Disunity in Black Communities Through Digital Propaganda
DESCRIPTION:This panel brings together Black feminist scholars\, writers\, and public intellectuals to examine how and why debates about gender\, sexuality\, and nationality consistently emerge as top topics on social media platforms within Black discursive communities. How do algorithms and influencer culture contribute to sowing discontent and misinformation among Black social media users? We consider the social and political implications\, who ultimately benefits from these conversations\, and how we can make different choices around our own engagement and participation. \nThis event is a joint collaboration by the DISCO Network\, the Black Communication and Technology Lab (BCAT) at the University of Maryland\, and the Digital Studies Institute at the University of Michigan. \nRead more about this event and register to attend here.
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/panel-discussion-diaspora-wars-and-going-50-50-sowing-disunity-in-black-communities-through-digital-propaganda/
LOCATION:Hybrid
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251112T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251112T123000
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20251021T164337Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T164337Z
UID:514149-1762950600-1762950600@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:The Double Black Box: National Security\, AI\, and the Struggle for Democratic Accountability\, with Ashley Deeks\, November 12 The Double Black Box: National Security\, Artificial Intelligence\, and the Struggle for Democratic Accountability
DESCRIPTION:Rapid advances in artificial intelligence are increasingly vital to national security operations.  The United States\, China\, and other states seek to harness these tools to bolster their own military and intelligence superiority. Yet their advent exacerbates an existing paradox within our democracy: some of the most consequential decisions made in the name of national security are often the least transparent and accountable – and the use of AI makes this problem worse. \nIn her new book\, The Double Black Box\, Ashley Deeks unpacks this pressing challenge. She examines how we can ensure democratic accountability\, legality\, and effectiveness in the use of artificial intelligence tools within national security processes\, and which traditional and nontraditional checks on the executive branch might be brought to bear on the use of national security AI. \nHarvard Law School Professor Kristen Eichensehr will hold a conversation with Deeks about the book\, unpacking its arguments and inviting the audience into the discussion. \nRead more about this event and register to attend here. 
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/the-double-black-box-national-security-ai-and-the-struggle-for-democratic-accountability-with-ashley-deeks-november-12-the-double-black-box-national-security-artificial-intelligence-and-the-st/
LOCATION:Hybrid
CATEGORIES:Talk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T235959
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20251021T162436Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T162436Z
UID:514141-1764806400-1764892799@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Beyond the Algorithm: From Research to Action for Democratic Renewal
DESCRIPTION:Beyond the Algorithm: From Research to Action for Democratic Renewal is a hybrid event jointly organised by the Horizon Europe KT4D\, ORBIS\, ITHACA and AI4GOV projects. The event puts under the spotlight the rapid deployment of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data technologies and how these these technologies hold the promise of fostering civic participation\, transparency\, and efficiency in democratic governance. Yet\, they also introduce new risks related to algorithmic bias\, privacy infringements\, disinformation\, cultural polarisation\, and the erosion of democratic values. \nRecognising the urgency and complexity of these issues\, four Horizon Europe-funded projects\, AI4GOV\, KT4D\, ITHACA\, and ORBIS\, joined forces to establish the AI\, Big Data & Democracy Task Force. Since March 2025 INNOVADE is part of the Task Force. Together\, these projects represent a broad\, interdisciplinary effort to understand the benefits and risks of AI and Big Data for democracy and civic participation\, and to develop solutions for their responsible and democratic use. This event represents the climax of this collaborative journey\, bringing together the research results\, methodologies\, and exhibiting tools produced by the Task Force\, with the ambition to foster dialogue\, impact policy\, and contribute to the future of digital democracy. \nRead more about the event and register to attend here. 
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/beyond-the-algorithm-from-research-to-action-for-democratic-renewal/
LOCATION:Hybrid
CATEGORIES:Talk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260115T000000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260217T235959
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20251021T163427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T163427Z
UID:514143-1768435200-1771372799@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:PAIRS: Participatory AI Research & Practice Symposium 2026
DESCRIPTION:The 2nd edition of the International Participatory AI Research and Practice Symposium (PAIRS) will take place concurrent with the India AI Impact Summit. Like the first edition\, which was an independent side-event of the Paris AI Action Summit in February 2025\, and PAIRSx Africa\, held online concurrent to the Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali\, this symposium will create a space to present research and case studies on the state of the art in participatory development and governance of AI and to build stronger connections across the field. \nClick here to learn more and sign up for updates. 
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/pairs-participatory-ai-research-practice-symposium-2026/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T190000
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20260413T185032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T185032Z
UID:516000-1776189600-1776193200@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:AI and the Concentration of Power
DESCRIPTION:Zoë Hitzig\, known for her research and writing on the political economy of AI\, including a widely discussed op-ed reflecting on her decision to leave OpenAI\, will examine how AI systems may reshape where knowledge resides and how decisions are made. As these systems begin to capture and operationalize forms of tacit\, experience-based knowledge long embedded in workers and local contexts\, information itself may become more concentrated—and with it\, power. This shift raises broader questions about how institutions act as information powerbrokers\, and what happens when expertise and decision-making move from individuals and local settings into centralized systems. Hitzig will be joined in conversation with HLS Professor of Entrepreneurial Legal Studies Yochai Benkler to discuss how AI systems may reshape where knowledge resides in the economy. \nClick here to learn more and register to attend. \nNote: Event details are listed in ET (UTC-5). 
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/ai-and-the-concentration-of-power/
LOCATION:Hybrid
CATEGORIES:Talk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T235959
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20260413T185517Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T185517Z
UID:516002-1776297600-1776383999@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Digital Identity Symposium: Towards User-Owned Identity
DESCRIPTION:Logging into social media platforms and other apps increasingly requires revealing sensitive information\, like your birthday and full legal name. That data is collected\, processed and shared in ways that can be opaque to the user. It’s no wonder six-in-ten U.S. adults say they do not think it is possible to go through daily life without having data collected about them by companies or the government\, according to a 2019 report by the Pew Research Center. \nWhat if there were a better way to prove your identity online\, one that gives you greater control over the information you share in a secure way\, without sacrificing access or participation? \nJoin us on Thursday\, April 16 for the Digital Identity Symposium: Towards User-Owned Identity\, featuring the public launch of the Keyring wallet\, an open source application that demonstrates how technology can enable individuals to take control of their digital identity in a secure and portable way. This half-day symposium will include discussions on the motivations behind this work\, a live demo of Keyring\, and conversations about the future of user-owned identity systems. \nThis is an in-person event at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society for Harvard ID holders. Registration and an active Harvard ID are required.
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/digital-identity-symposium-towards-user-owned-identity/
LOCATION:Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society\, Harvard University\, 1557 Massachusetts Avenue\, Cambridge\, MA\, 02138\, United States
CATEGORIES:Symposium
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260416T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260417T235959
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20260415T153942Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T153942Z
UID:516053-1776297600-1776470399@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Global Forum: FIMI & Hybrid Threats
DESCRIPTION:About the Forum\nOver the past two years\, FIMI has shifted from isolated disinformation campaigns to coordinated\, AI-enabled operations that combine narrative manipulation\, cyber disruption\, economic pressure\, and reputational attacks — often running simultaneously. The threat is no longer niche. It targets governments\, democratic institutions\, corporations\, and civil society at the same time. \nThis forum brings together two focused days of expert-led sessions with 15+ speakers from leading research institutions\, governments\, and the security sector — full lineup to be announced soon. \nEach day runs as a continuous live marathon on Livestorm. You’ll receive two joining links — one for each day — delivered to your inbox after registration.
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/global-forum-fimi-hybrid-threats/
LOCATION:Hybrid
CATEGORIES:Conference
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Berlin:20260417T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Berlin:20260417T235959
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20260413T191000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T191118Z
UID:516006-1776384000-1776470399@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:The Civic Toolkit: Digital Literacy in the Age of AI
DESCRIPTION:Democracies around the world are grappling with declining trust in public institutions\, increasing polarisation and the rapid spread of disinformation\, often amplified by AI. How can we best build digital literacy and strengthen democratic culture to reconnect citizens with decision-making?‍ \nAt this critical moment\, civic engagement feels increasingly fragile. Yet it remains one of our most powerful tools for collective progress\, strengthening democratic culture\, enabling shared problem-solving and accountability\, and even a source of hope.  An urgent conversation is needed around democratic renewal – and artificial intelligence’s place at the very heart of this moment. \nWhile AI can deepen polarisation and entrench bias\, it can also expand participation\, strengthen transparency and reconnect citizens with decision-making. The question is not whether technology will shape our democratic future – but how. That’s why citizens need a blueprint to play an active role. \nBuilding a Citizens’ Toolkit: Digital Literacy in the Era of AI is a non-partisan initiative designed to strengthen the discussion around democratic culture through structured learning spaces that explore civic innovation\, digital resilience and the responsible role for AI in public life. \nAt our first convening on 17 April\, we will bring together citizens\, educators\, technologists\, community leaders and policymakers to examine how innovation can serve democratic values – and reimagine the public square for the digital age.  This conference is not just about AI. It is a conversation about the kind of society we want and how we build it together. \nWhat To Expect \nStart the day by learning from leading voices on the challenges facing democracy in the modern technological age\, before stepping into interactive sessions designed for reflection and problem-solving. Participants will build digital literacy\, critical insight and gain practical tools to confidently navigate today’s information landscape. \nAgenda \nThe one-day convening will unfold in four key acts\, as we work together to build a toolkit to explore civic participation\, AI and the future of democratic culture. \n11:00: Welcome and Opening \nIntroductions and context-setting \n11:10 – 12:30: AI in the World: Navigating Truth\, Trust & Technology \nWe open by zooming out: The world is being reorganised by competing powers\, and AI is accelerating this in ways that democratic systems were never designed to withstand. \nWe trace how democracy erodes when disinformation spreads\, and probe: What do we do about it – and does democracy’s operating system need a fundamental update? AI does not have to be simply a risk to manage – it is a genuine opportunity to reimagine how states decide\, how citizens participate\, and how institutions regain legitimacy. \n12:30 – 13:30: Networking Lunch \n  \n13:30 – 14:30: The Agora \nIn the second session\, we explore what it looks like to design AI that actively protects democratic systems and show how this is already happening. We introduce AI tools that make political information more accessible and dig into what rebuilding trust in democratic institutions requires on the ground\, not just the theory\, and ask: How do we use AI to maximize its benefits and minimises its harms? \n15:00 – 15:45: The Democracy Lab \nThis session belongs to the room. Participants break into small groups\, work through specific challenges\, and bring their own knowledge\, experience\, and concerns to the table. \n15:45 – 17:00: Return to the Agora  \nThe Democracy Lab findings come back to the full room in an Open Mic session. We close the day with what computer science and algorithmic design can tell us about building decision-making systems that are fair\, transparent\, and worthy of democratic trust.
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/the-civic-toolkit-digital-literacy-in-the-age-of-ai/
LOCATION:The Civic Toolkit 2026\, Wasserturm\, EUREF-Campus 18\, Berlin\, 10829\, Germany
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260421T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260421T130000
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20260413T170137Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T170137Z
UID:515991-1776772800-1776776400@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:AI Can Make Conflict Worse or Better
DESCRIPTION:Join the Tech Impact and Policy Center on April 21st from 12PM–1PM Pacific for a seminarwith Jonathan Stray. \nAbout the Seminar: \nThere has been much discussion of how AI can help humans cooperate\, but much less about what happens when you add AI to humans who disagree — potentially violently. Social media systems\, which are increasingly AI driven\, may amplify divisive or escalatory narratives. LLMs may similarly exacerbate conflict\, especially if they give different answers to people on different sides. I’ll present recent work testing alternative social media algorithms with real users on real platforms in an attempt to reduce polarization around the 2024 election\, and using LLMs to produce “politically neutral” answers on maximally controversial topics. These early experiments give us a glimpse into the turbulent future of AI-mediated conflict. \nAbout the Speaker: \nJonathan Stray is a Senior Scientist at the Center for Human-compatible AI at UC Berkeley\, where he works on the design of AI-driven media with a particular interest in well-being and conflict. Previously\, he taught the dual masters degree in computer science and journalism at Columbia University\, worked as an editor at the Associated Press\, and built document mining software for investigative journalism. \nClick here to learn more and register to attend. \nNote: Event details are listed in PDT (UTC-8).
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/ai-can-make-conflict-worse-or-better/
LOCATION:Hybrid
CATEGORIES:Seminar
ORGANIZER;CN="Cyber Policy Center | Stanford University":MAILTO:cyber-center@stanford.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260421T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260421T150000
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20260415T161859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T161928Z
UID:516056-1776780000-1776783600@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Doing Digital Platform Research with Australian Internet Observatory
DESCRIPTION:A free Australian Internet Observatory Webinar exploring the tool and process for using data donations as a method for collecting digital platform data. Presented by Prof Dan Angus (QUT)\, Prof Nic Carah (University of Queensland) and Dr Amanda Lawrence (RMIT University).\n\nDigital platforms shape how Australians access information\, communicate\, entertain\, engage with government services\, participate in public discourse\, and conduct business. Understanding digital platforms\, and how we interact with them\, may offer new insights for a wide range of critical public interest issues across public health\, education\, entertainment\, cybersecurity and democratic inclusion.\n\nDespite the importance of digital platforms and the abundance of data they contain\, the capacity to independently collect and analyse data from digital platforms for research remains limited.\n\nTo address this challenge\, the Australian Internet Observatory is developing new tools and methods for social data research using data donations\, APIs and other methods. These newer approaches can also be combined with other established methods such as surveys\, interviews\, focus groups\, content analysis\, administrative data\, simulations and other qualitative and quantitative techniques.  Prof Dan Angus\, Prof Nic Carah and Dr Amanda Lawrence will provide an overview of the tools being developed at AIO and how they are currently being applied in research projects.\n\nFind out more about what we are building and how you can use these tools for your research.\nMore information\nRegister now: https://events.humanitix.com/digital-platform-research-aio\n\nNote: Event details are listed in AEST (UTC+10).
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/doing-digital-platform-research-with-australian-internet-observatory/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20260424T100000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20260424T160000
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20260407T180253Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T164228Z
UID:515886-1777024800-1777046400@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Influencer Diplomacy Symposium
DESCRIPTION:The Influencer Ethnography Research Lab (IERLab) is hosting our next symposium on Influencer Diplomacy\, to be held via Zoom on 24 April 2026\, 10:00 – 16:00 (AWST). \nThis one-day online event focuses on the generative concept of “influencer diplomacy\,” understood as the ways in which influencer cultures\, practices\, and industries shape diplomatic processes. This includes influencers taking on diplomatic roles and politicians adopting influencer strategies\, to the ways influencer diplomacy extends beyond formal state and institutional settings into everyday politics\, influencing public discourse and social engagement. \nThis symposium features a Keynote from A/Prof Zoe Hurley on Influencer Cultures in the UAE: Navigating Crisis and Orientalist Framings\, and five panels of presentations from researchers across disciplines to examine the emerging role of influencers in shaping contemporary diplomacy. \nClick here to register to attend
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/influencer-diplomacy/
LOCATION:Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260430T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260430T235959
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20260413T203148Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T203148Z
UID:516022-1777507200-1777593599@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Call for Contributions: Search Engines and Society Annual Conference (SEASON 2026)
DESCRIPTION:On behalf of the Search Engines and Society Network (SEASON)\, we invite submissions for the 2026 edition of the Search Engines and Society Annual Conference (SEASON 2026)\, to be held at HAW Hamburg\, Germany\, from 15–17 September 2026. \nFollowing the success of SEASON 2025\, which brought together an engaged and diverse international community of researchers\, practitioners\, and students\, SEASON continues as a dedicated conference series for critical and interdisciplinary research on search engines and their societal implications. \nSEASON explores the multifaceted role of search engines in today’s culture and society. The conference fosters interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration to deepen our understanding of search engines as cultural\, societal\, political\, and technical artifacts\, as well as their role in everyday practices. \nWe invite submissions for: \n\nLong presentations\nShort presentations\nInteractive sessions (e.g.\, panels and workshops)\nPosters\n\nTopics of interest include\, but are not limited to: \n\nSocial and cultural aspects of relevance  \nEpistemic implications of search engine use  \nSearch engines and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)  \nSearch engines and information disorders (e.g.\, disinformation\, data voids)  \nAI and changing patterns of search engine use  \nSearch engines and environmental crises  \nPolitical economy of search \nAccountability and responsibility of search engine providers  \nSearch engine bias and fair search  \nEthical and affective dimensions of search  \nMedia and information literacy  \nSearch engines in everyday life and educational settings  \nSearch engines and specific communities  \nMethods and data collection for search engine research  \nComparative and historical studies of web search  \nApproaches to opening the “black box” of search engine rankings  \n\nWe welcome conceptual and empirical contributions from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds\, including the humanities\, social sciences\, and technical disciplines. Interdisciplinary approaches\, work in progress\, submissions from practitioners\, and student contributions are especially encouraged. \nClick here to learn more\, or here to submit your proposal. The submission deadline is April 30\, 2026. 
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/call-for-contributions-search-engines-and-society-annual-conference-season-2026/
CATEGORIES:Call for Paper or Proposal,Conference
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260430T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260430T235959
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20260413T204418Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T204418Z
UID:516027-1777507200-1777593599@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:"AI\, Algorithmic Media\, and Digital Governance: Power\, Control\, and Technological Transformation" | Call for Papers for Special Issue
DESCRIPTION:We are pleased to announce a Call for Papers for a forthcoming special issue titled “AI\, Algorithmic Media\, and Digital Governance: Power\, Control\, and Technological Transformation\,” to be published in the journal Global Media and China.\n\nThe accelerating integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into digital infrastructures represents a profound transformation in contemporary media environments and governance systems. AI-driven platforms\, algorithmic recommendation systems\, and automated content moderation increasingly shape how information circulates\, how public discourse is structured\, and how political authority is exercised across different societies. These developments raise important questions about algorithmic governance\, digital sovereignty\, media regulation\, and the broader political implications of AI-mediated communication.\n\nThis special issue seeks to advance interdisciplinary scholarship examining the evolving relationships between AI technologies\, media systems\, and governance practices. We welcome contributions that critically explore how algorithmic systems influence media production\, platform governance\, public communication\, and political power across diverse institutional and geopolitical contexts.\nWe invite empirical\, theoretical\, and methodological contributions from scholars working in communication and media studies\, political science\, digital governance\, sociology\, science and technology studies\, and related disciplines. Submissions may focus on China\, or adopt comparative and transnational perspectives.\n\nPossible topics include\, but are not limited to:\n\nAlgorithmic governance\, digital statecraft\, and political authority\nAI-driven propaganda\, information manipulation\, and computational misinformation\nState-led AI governance and digital surveillance regimes\nPlatform politics and the political economy of algorithmic systems\nPublic perceptions of AI and the politics of digital rights\nAI infrastructures\, technological sovereignty\, and global asymmetries in digital power\nSmart cities\, Internet of Things systems\, and algorithmic governance in public administration\n\nKey dates\nAbstract submission deadline: 20 May 2026\nNotification of invitations for full papers: 1 June 2026\nFull paper submission deadline: 30 October 2026\n\nPlease submit an abstract of up to 500 words to the guest editors with the subject line “GMAC Special Issue Submission.”\n\nFull details for the Call for Papers can be found here.
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/ai-algorithmic-media-and-digital-governance-power-control-and-technological-transformation-call-for-papers-for-special-issue/
CATEGORIES:Call for Paper or Proposal
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260430T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260430T235959
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20260413T204817Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T204817Z
UID:516029-1777507200-1777593599@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Synthetic Social Media: Studying Platform-Embedded AI | Call for Proposals
DESCRIPTION:Social media platforms are increasingly shaped by the integration of generative AI alongside long-standing analytical and predictive models. Today’s algorithmic systems are moving from the background infrastructure to the forefront of digital social life – where autonomous AI agents operate in coexistence with (or independently of) human users.  They intervene in the content feeds as conversational agents like xAI’s Grok\, reshape identity play through synthetic likenesses of OpenAI’s Sora-2\, and expand the social ecosystem itself through experimental projects like Butterflies AI and Moltbook. As these developments rapidly outpace existing research frameworks\, the need for mixed critical methodologies to explore the nested integration of GenAI into platforms grows more urgent. \nThe 2026 Autumn School edition of the CRC “Media of Cooperation” explores these developments by focusing on generative AI as an infrastructural\, cultural\, and regulated component of social media platforms across three intersecting dimensions: At the cultural level of everyday use\, it refers to the routinized practices of prompting or interacting with platform-embedded generative systems through multimodal inputs. Infrastructurally\, it signals a shift in agency\, as platforms keep multiplying affordances that nudge us into co-producing synthetic outputs. Finally\, it foregrounds research techniques for probing AI models in their entanglements with the platform governance and moderation regimes. \n\nThe deadline for submissions is April 30\, 2026.  \nThis event will take place on September 22-25\, 2026\, hosted by the CRC Media of Cooperation\, University of Siegen. \nFull details can be found here.
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/synthetic-social-media-studying-platform-embedded-ai-call-for-proposals/
CATEGORIES:Call for Paper or Proposal
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20260430T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20260430T153000
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20260413T161209Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T162548Z
UID:515956-1777559400-1777563000@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Look What You Made Me Do: How FIMI Actors Weaponize Pop Culture
DESCRIPTION:What if viral cultural moments were not just entertainment\, but strategic entry points for influence? \nHigh-visibility events\, from major entertainment events to viral online controversies\, are increasingly used within the information environment as opportunities for influence and narrative shaping. \nThis webinar explores how Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) actors exploit these moments to inject geopolitical narratives\, and influence public discourse. From coordinated engagement around events\, such as Eurovision\, to the amplification of polarising online trends\, these dynamics reveal a shared playbook combining narrative seeding\, meme-driven framing\, and cross-platform amplification. \nJoin Rachele Gilman (Principal) and Zoé Fourel (Senior Analyst) from Cardigan Collective as they unpack how these strategies operate in practice\, how they intersect with domestic dynamics\, and how to distinguish between organic and orchestrated trends. \nClick here to learn more and register to attend. \nNote: Event details are listed in Central European Summer Time (CEST\, UTC+2). 
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/look-what-you-made-me-do-how-fimi-actors-weaponize-pop-culture/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20260504T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20260504T235959
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20260413T165439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T165439Z
UID:515985-1777852800-1777939199@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:PAIRSx Africa 2026: Shaping African AI Through Participatory Governance and Design
DESCRIPTION:In 2025\, the first PAIRSx Africa webinar was held alongside the Global AI Summit on Africa in Rwanda. The session brought together policy experts\, practitioners\, developers\, and academics to advance the practice of participatory AI across Africa. It served as a critical point for defining Africa’s participatory needs and establishing a community capable of formulating a shared vision for policy action. This webinar culminated in an open statement to the Summit Co-Chairs\, urging them to expand the conversation to address key areas that drafters and co-signers felt were insufficiently covered during the April 2025 Summit. These key areas included: Decent AI Jobs for Africa\, Public Engagement and Participation in AI Governance\, and Resourcing Participatory AI Development. \nPAIRSxAfrica @ Rightscon\nThe second iteration of PAIRSxAfrica will be hosted in-person alongside RightsCon in Lusaka\, Zambia\, on 4 May 2026\, under the theme: ‘Shaping African AI Through Participatory Governance and Design’. \nRightsCon is the ideal venue for the first in-person PAIRSxAfrica. Rightscon convenes a rich and experienced global digital rights community. Furthermore\, with “Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies” serving as one of the themes for this year’s conference\, the deliberations at PAIRS can directly inform and elevate discussions during the main event. \nWho is PAIRSxAfrica for?\nThis is a space to advance both Participatory AI scholarship and practice across the African continent. PAIRSxAfrica brings together representatives from civil society\, industry\, and academia who are dedicated to advancing Participatory AI as a method for aligning AI in Africa with public interest needs and outcomes. \nWe aim to highlight existing studies\, evidence\, frameworks\, and toolkits that demonstrate how African communities can directly shape AI governance and development\, and how the concerns of skeptical groups can be leveraged generatively. Additionally\, we seek to identify the research and evidence gaps that must be addressed to further advance participatory AI in Africa. \nWhat Tracks will be explored in 2026?\nBuilding on the work that began in 2025 and on the themes that emerged from webinar in 2025\, PAIRSxAfrica @ Rightscon will focus on advancing the following tracks: \nTrack 1: Moving from Consultative to Participatory AI Governance\nGuiding question: How can AI governance be structured and institutionalised to ensure impacted African communities can meaningfully shape outcomes at national and local as well as global levels? \nWhether at the African Union or within various African countries\, practices referred to as “participatory” are often merely consultations or validation meetings. In these settings\, the public or community members are invited to share opinions on governance decisions that have already been determined in their absence. While this approach seems ‘inclusive’\, it fails to address fundamental challenges such as extractive data practices\, the unequal distribution of benefits and harms\, or the power disparities among participants (such as those between civil society and Big Tech lobbyists). There should not be a presumption of knowledge or understanding of AI use regarding an individual or community. Specifically\, there should be a right to know when AI use affects decisions made in response to an individual or community. \nThis track aims to highlight participatory AI governance that empowers African communities to influence critical decisions regarding how AI is governed – locally\, nationally\, and globally. It seeks to move governance from tokenistic gestures toward meaningful practice. Additionally\, this track will explore “clear avenues to effectively engage the public\, movements\, and civil society organisations in contributing to AI governance\,” as called for in the open statement to the conveners of the 2025 Global AI Summit on Africa. \nTrack 2: Participatory AI Development\nGuiding question: How can those developing\, designing and localising AI systems center the needs of African communities\, without negating their historical and structural contexts? \nThe present day frontier AI models are developed outside of the continent\, giving Africans very little opportunity to shape their technical artifacts or socio-economic impacts. This means more investment is needed to: 1. create datasets that fit the context and use the languages in different African countries\, or 2. build small\, task-specific algorithmic systems that meet the needs of African communities. This track aims to explore design-justice and community-based participatory methodologies that take into account the historical and structural injustices poising over technological design; especially regarding frontier AI models emerging from the US and China that are developed and designed to meet the needs and fit the context of those countries. \nTrack 3: The Political Economy of AI and Participation\nGuiding question: How can community refusal\, contestations and critical engagement reshape AI development and  governance in African countries? \nGiven the disruptiveness of AI\, it is important to consider  how existing forms of contestation and refusal can inform more just and context-sensitive pathways for its adoption. Various African communities; including data workers\, epistemologists\, and ethicists\, have been sounding alarms regarding how AI affects labor practices\, knowledge systems\, and the values underpinning African societies. \nWhile many African communities are facing strenuous economic conditions\, these contestations and refusals of AI should not be dismissed because of a future which promises economic development. Rather\, they should be viewed as the foundation of a negotiation practice that could redirect focus toward alternative AI technologies or governance frameworks. These practices can open space not only for alternative technological trajectories\, but also for the recognition of diverse knowledge systems\, cosmovisions\, and governance traditions that have historically been excluded from dominant AI frameworks. Under this track\, we apply a political economy analysis of AI\, exploring how African values can be incorporated into its development\, deployment\, and management\, while critically analysing the economic motivations guiding adoption of AI. \nFrom this perspective\, Participatory AI does not solely rest on universal ethical principles or rights-based approaches. It must be grounded in the meaningful inclusion of plural epistemologies and community-based governance models\, particularly those of traditional communities.
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/pairsx-africa-2026-shaping-african-ai-through-participatory-governance-and-design/
LOCATION:Raddison Blu Hotel\, Lusaka\, 19029 Great East Rd\, Lusaka\, 10101\, Zambia
CATEGORIES:Conference
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260512T114000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260512T130000
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20260413T165856Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T165856Z
UID:515989-1778586000-1778590800@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Rebuilding Belonging in a Digital Age: Teens\, Tech\, & Third Places
DESCRIPTION:Join the Tech Impact and Policy Center on May 12th from 12PM–1PM Pacific for a seminarwith Jennifer Heifferon & Alanna Powers-O’Brien. \nAbout the Seminar: \nAs adolescence becomes increasingly digital\, public discourse tends to focus on screen time\, platform design\, and online harms. Yet alongside these concerns\, a parallel transformation has unfolded: the steady erosion of physical spaces meant for teens. What happens to youth social life when the outside world contracts? This talk argues that the rise of digital adolescence must be understood alongside the decline of third places—low-barrier environments beyond home and school that once supported informal peer culture and autonomy. Drawing on original statewide data from caregiver focus groups and a survey of more than 1\,000 teens\, we examine how young people navigate belonging amid shrinking real-world options. By reframing youth technology use as intertwined with social infrastructure\, this research raises a new policy question: What would it mean to treat third places as essential civic infrastructure for youth in a digital age? \nAbout the Speaker: \nJennifer Heifferon is the Child Well-Being Program Director at the California Partners Project\, where she leads research and cross-sector initiatives focused on youth development in a digital age. Her work examines how technology\, family systems\, and community environments intersect to shape adolescent well-being\, with an emphasis on translating lived experience and empirical research into insights for families\, educators\, and civic decision-makers. Jennifer’s background bridges K–12 education as a teacher\, learning specialist\, and equity leader\, formal training and facilitation in diversity\, equity\, and inclusion\, and ongoing leadership in youth sports coaching. Prior to her work in education\, she worked in digital media as an interactive producer. She holds a BA in Psychology from Stanford University and an MA in Teaching from the University of San Francisco. \nAlanna Powers-O’Brien is the Research Specialist for the Family Online Safety Institute\, managing FOSI’s research projects. She is passionate about creating safer experiences for kids and families online. Alanna has created several resources and managed research projects that focus on informing parents\, educators and other stakeholders about concepts such as digital literacy\, wellbeing and AI. Her prior experiences were in both media and education. Alanna has taught English and communications courses at both the high school and college level\, and concentrated on the subject of media literacy education during her master’s program. Alanna has a master’s degree in Media Studies from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She also holds undergraduate degrees in both Public Relations and English from Penn State University\, and is a Fulbright alumna. \nClick here to learn more and register to attend. \nNote: Event details are listed in PDT (UTC-8).
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/rebuilding-belonging-in-a-digital-age-teens-tech-third-places/
LOCATION:Hybrid
ORGANIZER;CN="Cyber Policy Center | Stanford University":MAILTO:cyber-center@stanford.edu
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Berlin:20260515T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Berlin:20260515T235959
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20260413T194543Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T194543Z
UID:516012-1778803200-1778889599@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Call for Papers: Measuring Media Use and Effects | Annual Conference of the Methods Division of the German Communication Association (DGPuK)
DESCRIPTION:The increasing availability of digital behavioral data and computational tools has transformed how communication researchers study media use\, exposure\, and effects. These developments offer unprecedented analytical depth – but also introduce new complexities in measurement\, theory-building\, and ethical practice. This year’s conference of the Methods Division invites contributions that advance and critically engage with computational approaches to the measurement of media use and effects – through methodological innovation\, conceptual refinement\, or empirical application. \nWe seek submissions that explore how computational methods can not only extend but also rethink established approaches to studying media exposure\, its drivers\, and its consequences. \nThe deadline for submission is May 15\, 2026. Submissions can be in English or German. \nClick here to learn more.
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/call-for-papers-measuring-media-use-and-effects-annual-conference-of-the-methods-division-of-the-german-communication-association-dgpuk/
CATEGORIES:Call for Paper or Proposal
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260515T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260515T235959
DTSTAMP:20260928T154130
CREATED:20260413T202505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T202505Z
UID:516019-1778803200-1778889599@mediawell.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Conspiracy Theories in the Wake of Disaster | Call for Papers for Edited Volume
DESCRIPTION:In late September\, 2024\, Hurricane Helene made landfall in the continental United States\, churning its way up the Atlantic seaboard. The storm devastated North Carolina with massive rainfall and flooding of towns such as Asheville. All told\, the damage from Helene totaled over 50 billion dollars and the loss of entire communities. But Hurricane Helene inadvertently produced another storm in its wake\, a deluge of conspiracy theories about the “true” cause of the hurricane and about the response from the Federal government. Even as the Biden administration rushed to respond to the destruction\, conspiracy theories began circulating on X.com (formerly Twitter) about Biden ignoring the destruction due to senility\, about the government using the hurricane as a pretext for nefarious deeds\, and\, perhaps most bizarre of all\, about Federal agencies using secret weather technology to steer the hurricane into conservative parts of the country to dampen electoral turnout. Donald Trump\, then candidate for president\, circulated some of these conspiracy theories himself on Truth Social\, claiming that President Biden steered disaster aid to illegal immigrants\, among other lies. (Waldman and Aton\, 2024). The spread of these conspiracy theories forced the Federal Emergency Management Agency\, long a villain in conspiracy theory discourse\, to publish a fact-checking website to deal with public outrage (FEMA.gov). These false claims hindered disaster relief efforts and impacted the 2024 elections as Americans responded in outrage to perceived incompetence by the Biden administration (Gollom\, 2024).\n\nThe story of Hurricane Helene’s aftermath is not new. Conspiracy theories circulate in the wake of disasters because these events are such traumatic and sensational eruptions in media coverage that alternative narratives about their “true” causes are almost inevitable. If disasters are events that render the unthinkable thinkable (Cerulo\, 2006)\, then conspiracy theories twist this revelatory moment into a warped attempt to think about something else. They provide a context for disaster that provides a distorted simulacrum of an explanation of the destruction and death and loss by offering a convenient villain whose shadowy machinations are to blame for the tragic event. They turn what could be explained as an unfortunate but “normal accident” (Perrow\, 1999)\, into proof of nefarious agents. Shifting the focus from the human role in creating and exacerbating disastrous conditions (Erikson\, 1995)\, to a way of blaming a secretive cabal. And because many disasters are caused by human error or negligence or complicated historical trajectories\, conspiracy theories may seem plausible even when they are not. Conspiracism offers a satisfying explanation for the spectacle of destruction\, rooted in narratives about evildoers who cause such pain and anguish (Rice\, 2020). While at the same time providing a comforting assurance that the skeptics\, unlike the supposed experts\, are the ones who know the real explanation for what has happened (Murphy\, 2006; Buhs\, 2009).\n\nSuch conspiracy theories are detrimental because they produce suspicion\, fear\, and anger toward the very agencies responsible for responding to these disasters\, while undermining efforts to understand the decisions that have been made over decades (if not centuries) that generated the risks that eventually turned into disasters. And in the age of social media\, conspiracy theories can circulate with incredible speed and scope\, fueled by recommendation algorithms and the attention economy which ensures that the most sensational content is incentivized (Valaskivi\, 2022; Popken\, 2018). While thinking about worst case scenarios plays an important role in disaster preparedness (Clarke\, 2006; Thomas\, 2021; Wuthnow\, 2010)\, events such as Hurricane Helene demonstrate that today even as organizations like FEMA try to manage crises on the ground they find themselves bogged down combatting conspiracy theories online.\n\nConspiracy Theories in the Wake of Disaster will combine conspiracy theory research with disaster studies to launch a new horizon for research focused on the relationship between disasters and conspiracy\, which we see as an understudied and fruitful area of study. Contributions can include multiple authors from various disciplines and methodological approaches\, including work from sociology\, history\, communications\, philosophy\, information studies\, data science\, and other relevant disciplines\, and we are especially interested in approaches from science and technology studies\, extremism and conspiracism studies\, and disaster studies.\n\nAbstracts of 250-300 words and biographical statements will be due by May 15th\, 2026. Please send materials to both Matthew N. Hannah at matthew.hannah@wisc.edu and Zachary Loeb at zloeb@purdue.edu. While we are still working on identifying a press\, but we are currently in discussion with editors about publishing the book.\n\n\nPossible topics of interest include:\n\nHurricanes\, conspiracism\, and recovery efforts\nWildfire and water/forest management conspiracy theories\nMysterious technologies as cause of disasters\nAnalysis of social media discussions following disaster (Telegram\, X\, Truth Social)\nConspiracy theories about Federal disaster agencies such as FEMA or NOAA\nDisaster preparedness efforts and public conspiracism\nAnthropogenic disasters (Fukushima\, 3-Mile Island) and conspiracy theories\nFalse-flag operations and disasters (September 11)\nThe impact of conspiracism on civil society in the wake of disasters\nGeoengineering and disasters\nClimate change conspiracy theories
URL:https://mediawell.ssrc.org/event/conspiracy-theories-in-the-wake-of-disaster-call-for-papers-for-edited-volume/
CATEGORIES:Call for Paper or Proposal
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