IGF 2017 WS #134 Fake news and possible solutions to access information, discussion led by Young IGF

Content of the Session:
Fake news is not a recent issue and has been around for years, but the scope is scope is rising rapidly since the rise of social media. Algorithms determine what news we can see on social media, for example on Facebook. This creates the so called ‘filter bubble’, which means we only see news related to our interests and blocks out other news and opinions. Such a bubble prevents us from seeing the whole picture and makes us susceptible to manipulation. We consume news through various channels and cannot see the difference between fact and fiction. Our view of the world is therefore strongly influenced. Will this result in a world where we no longer believe in news shared on social media? Do we have to accept this or do we have to look for solutions to fight against fake news? In concrete terms, there is a fundamental trust problem.
There is a growing need for fact-checkers, currently we are mainly looking at journalists. But should we not address the readers themselves here? What measures should be taken to combat fake news from professional journalist, news sites and user generated news in an efficient manner?

In Germany, the Minister of Justice, Heiko Maas, wants to hand out fines to social networking sites that do not remove threatening online postings quickly. In addition, Heiko Maas wants to appoint one person within the relevant company responsible for all complaints. Is this the solution against user generated news? Can we even design a system in which we are collectively responsible for filtering truths? Or can Blockchain be part of the solution?

Blockchain is a system in which confidential data is distributed across the chain. No longer are authorities responsible for monitoring the truth: the whole network is responsible. In this IGF panel session we will discuss possible solutions and whether such new developments as Blockchain can help to fight against fake news. In the Netherlands, DUIC, design research bureau's CAPADA, DIG and MILVUM have already established a pilot around Utrechts news, where they using blockchain to exchange confidential information and to assess information. DUIC wants to see how a system of trust can be established with the use of blockchain. Their insights and knowledge are also taken to the IGF and serve as input for the discussion.

Tag 1: Fakenews
Tag 2: Blockchain
Tag 3: Youth

Interventions:
The organizers invite sprekers actively and prepare them for the questions to come. The moderator invites those present to share their meaning and have them respond to each other. This leads up to formulations of possible solutions and recommendations by the room. 

Diversity:
The divisiveness of the session has been fully considered. The current list of organizers and speakers is significantly mixed based on gender, age, background and country of origin. The debate is organized by and for young (expert) people. With this we try to involve more young people in socially relevant subjects and give them the opportunity to let hear their voice and talk about topics that determine their future. Furthermore, the discussed issue concerns an urgent social issue, that enhances a multi-stakeholder cooperation. During the session, we create a 'mini-ecosystem panel' to crystallize idea's from multiple points of view into possible solutions against fake news. Participants from the following backgrounds are confirmed: academia, business, government staff, experts, technician and youth.

1. Gender diversity
   Onsite moderator: 1 man
   Panel participants: 3 women, 2 men
   Organizers: 2 women
   Reporter: 1 woman
2. Mini- Ecosystem
   Moderator: Walid Al-Saqaf
   Youth: Su Sonia Hering
   Government/Politics: Arda Gerkens
   Expert: Emmanuel Elolo
   Business: MIchael J. Oghia
   Lawyer: Mariana de Vasconcellos
   Technicus: Florian Daniel 
   Academia: Michel van Eetem
3. Age
   The participants are between 22 and 54 years old.
4. Geographical diversity
   1 moderator from Sweden
   3 participants from the Netherlands
   1 participant from Turkey
   1 participant from Latin America
   1 participant from West Afrika
   1 participant from Germany 
   1 participant from Serbie
5. Stakeholder groups
   Panel lists:
   From Civiel society (Internet Society, Tech4Development Sweden, ECP | Platform of the Information Society, University of Amsterdam, ICANN, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC), ISOC- Togo, Centre international de formation européenne, WEOG)
   From Private sector (Deloitte, Itaú Brazilian Bank)
   From Government (First Board Member of the Netherlands)

Onsite Moderator: Walid Al-Saqaf
Online Moderator: Sophie Veraart
Reporter: Marjolijn Bonthhuis

Youth participation
The voice of young people will play a particular role. A Young NL IGF debate will be organized in collaboration with youngsters, students and researchers from the University of Amsterdam as preparation of the IGF. Complementary to this, a social media campaign will help to give further visibility to the panel session both prior, during and after the event, opening the discussion to a wider online audience.

Online Participation:
Remote participation will be ensured through prior involvement of various stakeholders from across the world. We will make sure the faciltiy and assistance is available for those who would like to attend online. Our online moderators will take the responsibility of frequently communication with online participants and get the feedback from them simultaneoulsy. Questions and comments from online attendees will be included in the workshop session on an equal basis with those from in-room participants. A microphone will be provided for the online participants, and the remote moderator will coordinate the overall queue with the in-room moderator.

Discussion facilitation:
The session will be an open discussion. First, the moderator Walid Al-Saqaf will give a brief introduction and outline the issues. Next, the moderator actively invites the speakers to briefly outline their views on how to address these issues. Our panel consists is a mix of a mini ecosystems: youth, government, experts, business, lawyer, technicus, academia. This will give a broad look at the social issue that we face globally. After this round, there will be a discussion with the visitors, online audience and speakers. During the debate we focus on 3 main topics:

1. How we can create a system that the hole network is responsible for monitoring the truth?

• What responsibilities should the various actors (government, social media companys, users) take from the ecosystem?
• What role can/should civiel society play in combatting fake news online?

1. Which possible pathways are there for reducing fake news?
2. How can Blockchain be part of the solution of fake news?

• How is Blockchain working?
• And how far is Blockchain with it?

The moderator coordinates the process and ensures that people are actively involved in asking open questions. These will be prepared in advance. There is also the possibility for external and online audiences to ask questions. Depending on the room, either microphones will be available for participants to queue, or one or two persons will circulate with roving mics. The moderator actively asks panelists to respond to questions from the (online) audience.

Program
- Opening by moderator (5 min)
- Statement panel members (2 min each = 12 min)
- Open discussion:
1. How can we create a system in which the whole network is responsible for monitoring the truth? (12 min)
2. Which possible solutions are there for reducing fake news? (12 min)
3. How can Blockchain be part of the solution of fake news? (12 min)
- Wrap up by the moderator (10 min)

Conducted a Workshop in IGF before?: Yes
Link to Report: https://www.nligf.nl/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Report-workshop-153-Let27s-break-down-silos.pdf