Conference by Re-Imagine Europa in Berlin

On the 24th January, Maria João Rodrigues participated in the conference on “Democracy in Digital Society”, promoted by Re-Imagine Europe, an initiative of President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, with the participation of Professor Manuel Castells and Commissioner Mariya Gabriel. The event addressed the most pressing questions on the impact of digital transformations on democratic institutions in Europe and beyond.The forum brought together leading a vast list of experts from academia, politics, industry, civil society organisations and media which delivered  some concrete proposals of what a European model for a digital society could look like and what values should guide this process of transformation on democratic intitutions in Europe and beyond. 

The discussions was built on the work developed by the ALLEA Working Group Truth, Trust and Expertise and act as the starting point for Re-Imagine Europa’s task force on “Democracy in a Digital Society”. Questions addressed included: How can we maintain a healthy media ecosystem in a digital world? How does disinformation spread on social media? What is the role of narratives in creating shared worldviews? What is the value of truth? How can we deal with big data in an ethical way?

The communication ecosystem is central to a well-functioning society and its influence in shaping minds – and thus reality – has been emphasised by its enormous impact on recent events underlining the fact that the control and ownership of the internet will be one of the most important battles of our times.

 Check the full programme here

Watch the full conference here