5th OPN Gathering: Professor Taylor Owen unpacks disinformation tactics and strategies

ParlAmericas Podcast

In this ParlAmericas Podcast episode we receive an overview of how to detect disinformation in its various manifestations and its insidious impacts in our societies as it threatens the integrity of our institutions and increases public distrust. Professor Taylor Owen, Beaverbrook Chair in Media Ethics and Communications, Max Bell School of Public Policy, McGill University illustrates how omnipresent this phenomenon of disinformation has become due to quickly emerging technologies and social platforms. As a tactic for undermining electoral processes, spreading propaganda and dwindling democratic discourse, disinformation is delegitimizing political systems across the globe. As parliaments grapple with countering disinformation in its various forms, this presentation offers an overview of the growing set of international good practices and recommendations for parliaments on mitigative actions they can employ such as reformation to current legislation, budget allocations, and parliamentary oversight actions.

This address was recorded at the 5th Gathering of the ParlAmericas Open Parliament Network: Countering Disinformation to Promote Responsible Public Discourse, which took place virtually on March 15, 2021.