Unresolved: Information Disorder
Topics: Politics, Tech, U.S., World
Public Release Date: November 18, 2022
This debate took place in front of a live audience, at the 2022 Homeland Security Enterprise Forum, on October 25, 2022. The debate is presented and produced in partnership with the Homeland Security Experts Group.
The age of “information disorder” is upon us. Deep fakes, false political narratives, and flawed COVID rumors are all rampant online, threatening America’s national security, as well as democracy itself. Though bad actors have always had the capacity to deceive, the ease, speed, and degree to which anyone can create misleading information has engendered a dangerous new world. And yet many solutions can also run directly against longstanding western principles, such as free speech and a lack of censorship. Prescriptions, some argue, can be as dangerous as the disorder itself. So, what can be done?
In partnership with the Homeland Security Experts Group, Intelligence Squared U.S. debates how to combat this dangerous new phenomenon, termed “information disorder.” Our expert panel takes a look at what the private sector should do, what the public sector can do, and how political actors who spread false information should be handled.
OUR EXPERTS:
Michael Chertoff: Former United States Secretary of Homeland Security and co-author of the PATRIOT Act
Charles Carithers: Principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs and visiting fellow at the National Security Institute; former staff member on House Committee of Homeland Security, Georgetown University Professor
Nina Jankowicz: Internationally-recognized expert on disinformation and democratization and author of How to Lose the Information War
Stewart Baker: Former Assistant Secretary for Policy at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under President of George W. Bush
MODERATOR-IN-CHIEF:
John Donvan: Emmy award-winning journalist