Conference to raise awareness of the harm caused by online platforms

This year’s IEEE Conference on Digital Platforms and Societal Harms is scheduled for October 14-15 in a hybrid format, with both in-person and virtual keynote panels. The physical events will take place at American University in Washington, D.C.

The annual conference focuses on how social media and similar platforms amplify hate speech, extremism, exploitation, misinformation and disinformation, and what measures are being taken to protect people.

With the popularity of social media and the rise of artificial intelligence, content can be more easily created and shared online by individuals and bots, says Andre Oboler, the general chair of IEEE DPSH. The IEEE senior member is CEO of the Sydney-based Online Hate Prevention Institute. Oboler warns that much of the content online is fabricated, so some people are making economic, political, social and health care decisions based on false information.

“Addressing the creation, spread, and engagement of harmful digital information is a complex problem. It requires broad collaboration among different stakeholders, including technologists; legislators and policymakers; nonprofits; private sectors; and end users.”

According to him, misinformation (which is false) and disinformation (which is deliberately false) can also spread hate speech, discrimination, violent extremism and child sexual abuse. Moreover, they can create a hostile online environment, damaging people’s trust in information and putting their lives at risk.

Preventing harm, he says, requires advanced technical solutions and changes in government policy. The conference brings together academic researchers and leaders from industry, government and nonprofits to discuss steps being taken to protect individuals online.

Experts explore challenges and solutions

The event will feature panel discussions and Q&A sessions with experts from various technology fields and organizations. Scheduled speakers include Paul Giannasi of the UK National Police Chiefs’ Council; Skip Gilmour of the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism; and Maike Luiken, chair of IEEE’s Planet Positive 2030 initiative.

“Addressing the creation, spread, and engagement of harmful digital information is a complex problem,” Oboler says. “It requires broad collaboration among different stakeholders, including technologists; legislators and policymakers; nonprofits; private sectors; and end users.

“There is a growing need for a joint forum for these stakeholders and researchers from different disciplines to understand the challenges, exchange ideas and explore possible solutions.”

To register for in-person and online conference attendance, visit the event website . Those who only want to attend the keynote panels can register for free access to the discussions. Attendees who register by September 22 and use the code 25off2we will receive a 25 percent discount.

Watch highlights from the 2023 IEEE Conference on Digital Platforms and Social Harm.