People who live far from war zones and repressive states may nevertheless be connected to them through their use of digital communication technologies. This panel will discuss people’s digital vulnerabilities to conflict and repression, and possible responses to those vulnerabilities.

Debates over cyber security usually focus on threats to military assets, critical infrastructure, and intellectual property, and ignore the individuals who might be at risk. These risks take different forms. Activists around the world are subject to hacking and surveillance, and they participate in propaganda wars on Twitter and Facebook. Alienated young people are targeted for radicalization and recruitment. And people who simply want to communicate with loved ones in repressive states and conflict zones may find that these communications are sources of sorrow or danger rather than solace.

The panelists will discuss their recent research and reporting on these issues, with an emphasis on the Syrian context. The panel will also serve as the launch of a SSHRC-funded project, The War is Just a Click Away, which includes journalism and expert commentary published by OpenCanada.org.

Tue, Oct 25, 2016
04:30 PM - 06:00 PM
315 Bloor Street West, 1st Floor Boardroom/Round Room/Library
315 Bloor Street West