CEPA conference on countering disinformation in the V4

Introductory Remarks:
Peter B. Doran, Vice President of Researc, Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)

H.E. Adam Sterling, U.S. Ambassador to the Slovak Republic

Edward Lucas, CEPA Senior Vice President and Co-leader of CEPA’s Information Warfare Initiative 

Urve Eslas, opinion editor of the Estonian daily Postimees, radio host and newspaper columnist 

Moderator: Peter B. Doran, Vice President of Research, Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)

Networking Lunch 

Participants discussed what are the objectives of Russian disinformation in specific CEE countries. Also wondered how are disinformation methods evolving in the digital sphere. Who is consuming this information? What are emerging local and national responses to this disinformation threat in your country?

Martins Kaprans, Researcher at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology at the University of Latvia

Ivana Smolenova, Communications and Outreach Manager, Prague Security Studies Institute 

Lóránt Győri, Political Capital 

Moderator: Donald Jensen, CEPA Senior Adjunct Fellow 

Coffee Break

What are the European and U.S. policy responses/plans of action to countering Russian disinformation? What responses have been successful, and what else needs to be done? How have policymakers specifically utilized media specialists, journalists, technologists and academics in their action plans?

Magda Walter, International Media Consultancy 

Neil Barnett, Istok Associates

Donald Jensen, CEPA Senior Adjunct Fellow 

Moderator: Dušan Fischer, SFPA 

How can tech companies in Europe and America contribute to understanding Russian disinformation and countering it in the digital space? What disinformation information vectors can be mitigated through the collaboration of security, advertising, data management and social media experts? Can best practices in these respective fields be applied or adapted to the evolving digital battlespace? 

Speakers: 

Marian Nic, Beacon Project 

Jan Urbančík, konspiratori.sk

Matus Sloboda, demagog.sk 

Luna Kalaš, TechSoup

Moderator: Edward Lucas, CEPA Senior President and Co-leader of CEPA’s Information Warfare Initiative  (Confirmed)

Description: How can tech companies in Europe and America contribute to understanding Russian disinformation and countering it in the digital space? What disinformation information vectors can be mitigated through the collaboration of security, advertising, data management and social media experts? Can best practices in these respective fields be applied or adapted to the evolving digital battlespace? 

Break

Networking Dinner (Restaurant Seasons) 

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Registration

Overview of Objectives of Day 2 Sessions

Peter B. Doran, Vice President of Research, CEPA 

The free-flow of information has been a hallmark of the internet ecosystem. Recently, this open market of ideas has been flooded by well-funded and highly sophisticated state campaigns to influence and achieve foreign policy objectives. How do we address this phenomenon? How can social media act as a counterweight to disinformation?

Session Leader: Peter B. Doran, Vice President of Research, CEPA 

Magda Walter, International Media Consultancy 

Peter Jancarik, Konspiratori.sk

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In the digital realm, do emerging technologies offer insights into tracking disinformation sources and dispelling propaganda before they impact users? Can the next disinformation campaign be shut down before it happens?

Session Leader: Edward Lucas, CEPA Senior President and Co-leader of CEPA’s Information Warfare Initiative 

Urve Eslas, opinion editor of the Estonian daily Postimees, radio host and newspaper columnist

Marian Nic, Beacon Project 

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What is the impact of European-wide initiatives that track the flow of disinformation? Can more be done to bridge the divide between disinformation warriors and investigative journalists and social media platforms? How can we combine traditional and new media strategies for investigative journalism for combating disinformation online?

Session Leader: Donald Jensen, CEPA Senior Adjunct Fellow 

Martins Kaprans,  Researcher at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology at the University of Latvia

Mikalai Anishchanka, Head of Press Room at Press Club Belarus

Neil Barnett, Istok Associates

Networking Lunch

12:45 - 13:45 

Coffee Break

Session Leader: Peter B. Doran, Vice President of Research, CEPA 

What are the lessons learned and new ideas that have emerged from Tech Camp? How can we bridge the gap between the numerous areas of expertise to counter disinformation?

Peter B. Doran, Vice President of Research, CEPA 

Donald Jensen, CEPA Senior Adjunct Fellow 

Urve Eslas, opinion editor of the Estonian daily Postimees, radio host and newspaper columnist 

Dušan Fischer, SFPA