Keeping Democracies Democratic

The role of online platforms in influencing public opinion

The rise of online platforms has forever changed the world’s political processes. They have created unparalleled access to politicians by creating direct channels for discourse, caused wide-spread news circulation and enabled social movements.

But what role do online platforms play in ensuring ‘fake news’ do not spread and that citizens receive unbiased information to be able to make informed political decisions? Who are the actors controlling what we see online? What protections exist to ensure our lawful use of data?

Join us for a panel discussion as we consider some of the most challenging and topical issues influencing democracy at every level of government.

Moderator:

Cristina Onosé MA, CIPP/C, Director, Government Relations, Canadian Marketing Association

Panel Guests:

• Dave Fleet, EVP and National Practice Lead, Digital at Edelman PR
• Tim Harper, Freelance to the Toronto Star (“With elections looming, Canada cannot be complacent on policing social media” Toronto Star, April 17, 2018 – See story here)
• Sanjay Khanna, Director and Futurist, Whitespace Legal Collab Baker and McKenzie LLP
• Adam Radwanski, Globe and Mail (“Nine early signs of how Facebook ads are being used in Ontario’s election” Globe and Mail, April 19, 2018– See story here)

You Will Learn:

• Impact of online media on shaping Canadians’ political views
• Role of online platforms in mitigating the risks of fake news
• Laws governing personal information with respect to political parties
• Societal impacts of social media on journalism

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