02 Apr
04 Apr

The Encryption Debate: Disinformation and Extreme Speech on WhatsApp, Telegram and Global Messaging Apps

Date:

2 April 2025 - 4 April 2025

Location:

Center for Advanced Studies Seestr. 13 80802 Munich

Workshop organized by Prof. Dr. Sahana Udupa (CAS Research Group/LMU).

Online extreme speech and disinformation have emerged as major problems for democratic and transitional societies worldwide. In the complex mix of factors that shape extreme speech ecosystems, encrypted instant messaging services such as WhatsApp and Telegram constitute a unique constellation. While encryption is commonly held accountable for conditions of evasion, its potentiality to inspire intimacy and trust is no less significant, as is the way it works in tandem with the closed communication architecture of messaging services to enable intrusive human networks around extreme speech. This symposium will convene scholars, policy experts, and factcheckers to explore the vast reach and impacts of encrypted messaging services.

The event will feature the launch of a new policy report and a curtain raiser to the upcoming volume, "WhatsApp in the World: Disinformation, Encryption and Extreme Speech" (Spring 2025, New York University).

Participants include the members of the CAS Research Group “Messaging Apps, Encryption and the Enticement of Extreme Speech” and Cherian George (Hong Kong Baptist University), Naomi Miyashita (United Nations, Peace Operations), Yotam Shmargad (University of Arizona), Joseph B. Walther (UC Santa Barbara).

Registration

Registration is required for participation. If you are interested in our event, please contact us: info@cas.lmu.de