Social media platforms play a critical role in electoral contexts. They are a source of information, a tool to expand the reach of electoral campaigns, and a way to avoid official censorship in closed or semi-closed societies. Failure to properly regulate, or self-regulate, social media platforms while respecting free speech can contribute to disinformation and misinformation, a growing concern given the existing polarization in Latin America and the Caribbean.
As the United States approaches its presidential elections on November 5, 2024, we invite you to join us for a panel discussion on the implications of social media on elections. This hybrid event will take place on Thursday, October 31, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM ET, and is co-sponsored by the Dialogue’s Rule of Law Program and Luminate. What are the key challenges and opportunities that social media access present in electoral contexts? What can we learn from the latest elections in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela? What role are social media platforms playing in the upcoming United States elections, and what are the differences and similarities to recent elections in Latin America? Which social media platform regulations are compatible with free speech? What role can civil society play to safeguard the right to access information and freedom of expression?
This event is part of the Inter-American Dialogue’s series on elections in Latin America and the Caribbean. Follow the event on X (formerly Twitter) at #IADElectionsSeries and @The_Dialogue.
This event will be held in English and Spanish, with simultaneous interpretation via Zoom into English, Spanish and Portuguese.
OPENING REMARKS
TAMARA TARACIUK BRONER
Director, Rule of Law Program, Inter-American Dialogue (@TamaraTaraciuk)
SPEAKERS
CECILIA GALVÁN
IRIA PUYOSA
Senior Research Fellow, Digital Forensic Research Lab, Atlantic Council (@NSC)
MARTHA TUDÓN
Digital Rights Program Officer, ARTICLE 19, Office for Mexico and Central America (@MarthaTdn)
PEDRO VACA
Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (@PVacaV)
MODERATOR
ROBERTA BRAGA
Founder and Executive Director, Digital Democracy Institute of the Americas (DDIA) (@RobertaSBraga)
CLOSING REMARKS
FELIPE ESTEFAN
Latin America Director and Head of the DC Office, Luminate
Partner Organization
