IGF 2025 WS #506 Media Trust: Misinformation and Protecting Vulnerable Groups

    Organizer 1: Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
    Organizer 2: Civil Society, African Group
    Organizer 3: Civil Society, African Group
    Organizer 4: Technical Community, African Group
    Speaker 1: Stepovaya Daria, Civil Society, Eastern European Group
    Speaker 2: Matilda Mashauri, Civil Society, African Group
    Speaker 3: Necta Mwitory, Private Sector, African Group
    Speaker 4: Selma Kaymakci, Civil Society, Eastern European Group
    Speaker 5: Gregorio Lima Antonia Nirvana, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
    Format
    Theater
    Duration (minutes): 60
    Format description: The theater format fosters open dialogue and collaboration, making it ideal for a discussion like this. This format will also allow participants to share their contributions easily.
    Policy Question(s)
    A. What are effective approaches to rebuilding trust in media among vulnerable populations? B. How can content moderation practices be made more transparent and inclusive? C. What regulatory measures can control misinformation without infringing on free speech?
    What will participants gain from attending this session? - Insights into the challenges of misinformation and its impact on vulnerable groups. - Practical strategies to rebuild trust in media. - Knowledge of successful community-based fact-checking initiatives. - Understanding of inclusive content moderation practices. - Awareness of policy frameworks balancing misinformation regulation and media freedom. - Networking opportunities with diverse stakeholders (policymakers, media professionals, civil society).
    Description:

    This workshop will address the challenges of misinformation and its impact on vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and marginalized communities. It will explore strategies to build trust in media, such as promoting fact-checking initiatives, ensuring transparency in content moderation, and safeguarding freedom of speech. The session will also discuss policy frameworks that balance misinformation regulation with media freedom, ensuring accountability for digital platforms while protecting user rights.
    Expected Outcomes
    - Identify successful models of community-based fact-checking initiatives. - Recommend policies for transparent and fair content moderation. - Draft policy recommendations that balance misinformation regulation with media freedom.
    Hybrid Format: The session will be in a hybrid format having online and onsite participants. Two moderators will be assigned (onsite and online) to facilitate discussions and ensure equal participation.