Disinformation and Democracy Forum Sydney

Disinformation and Democracy Forum: Tackling the threat of disinformation campaigns

Access to reliable, accurate information is essential for democracy. It empowers citizens to make informed decisions, debate issues, and hold leaders accountable. But the rise of big tech platforms and their algorithms has brought a new challenge to the forefront: the spread of harmful disinformation campaigns. From misleading health advice to conspiracy theories, unchecked disinformation risks jeopardising public health, swaying elections, and even inciting violence.

Join us for a panel discussion at the Disinformation and Democracy Forum to hear from disinformation experts, elected representatives, and those dealing with the real life impacts of disinformation campaigns about how we can tackle the growing crisis of bad information in our digital age. 

This timely event will explore the nature and impacts of disinformation and how governments should be responding to ensure a safer, more trustworthy online environment. Come along to join the discussion on how we can address the threat of disinformation campaigns while safeguarding free speech, empowering citizens, and holding big tech companies accountable for their role in shaping our democracy.

Key Details

• 6.30pm - 8pm Thursday 20th March
• Sydney Park Pavilion, Euston Rd, Alexandria, Sydney
• Nibbles provided
• This event is ticketed, please purchase tickets or email info@australiandemocracy.org.au for a free ticket.

About the speakers

Saffron Zomer is a lawyer, campaigner and political strategist with more than a decade of experience leading law reform campaigns. As the founder and Executive Director of the Australian Democracy Network, she is leading work to grow the capacity of the community sector to counter disinformation campaigns, research and expose the groups and networks that are using disinformation campaigns to further their political goals, and work to change the rules to hold big tech companies to account. Saffron will be moderating this event. 

Zali Steggall OAM is the Independent Federal Member for Warringah. A former barrister, elected in 2019 on a platform of integrity and environmental protection, Zali has been a key advocate for truth in political advertising laws. In 2023 she introduced a private members bill to Parliament that aimed to prohibit misleading and deceptive authorised political advertising.

David Mejia-Canales is a senior human rights lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre, focusing on defending democratic freedoms like the right to protest, the right to vote and the right to participate in public affairs. More recently, his work has focused on using human rights frameworks to address mis- and disinformation and regulate digital platforms.

Ed Coper is the Executive Director and Founder of The Center for Impact Communications, CEO of values-based marketing agency Populares and author of 'Facts and Other Lies: Welcome to the Disinformation Age'. A communications and campaign strategy specialist, Ed is recognised as a leading expert on communications for impact.