https://www.wiki.ed.ac.uk/display/CIDS/2020+Week+9%3A+Social+media+and++politics%3A+regulation+and+p...
Dr Craufurd Smith considers how longstanding concerns over state
propaganda relate to the more recent controversies over ‘fake news’ and
electoral interference. In particular, she will consider whether it is
possible to establish a meaningful legal definition of ‘propaganda’ and
to establish workable guidelines for when state or private, intervention
is legitimate. How tolerant can democracies ultimately be? Her
introductory talk will explore some of the international and European
measures introduced to tackle propaganda and specific
initiatives/proposals closer to home in the UK.
Questions for consideration:
- How would you define ‘propaganda’ – where would you draw the line? Is propaganda as much a domestic as a ‘foreign’ problem?
- Is it ever legitimate for states to block access to propaganda and, if so, when?
- What
responsibility do private actors – the press/social media - have in
tackling propaganda? Is self or co-regulation the way forward?