Searching for ‘Truth’ in times of (health) crisis

Spreading news has never been easier. At the same time, the proper functioning of modern societies has never been more dependent on the circulation of quality information.

While many enjoy freedom of expression without fear of censorship, the exercise of this freedom also carries duties and responsibilities. First, because the right to freedom of expression may enter into conflict with other fundamental rights, such as the right to privacy. But also because the quality of the information in the public domain has a direct influence on the society's ability to form a rational opinion. Indeed, since the Age of the Enlightenment, we are convinced that an informed citizen will act in the common good. Finally, one can no longer ignore that the right to freedom of expression encompasses the right to notify competent authorities, and where appropriate the media, about irregular conducts which occur within  public or private organisations. As an individual freedom, freedom of expression is also a prerequisitee of a model of society founded on modern ideas of the rule of law and democracy.

This raises a twofold challenge in law: the need to prevent the spread of fake news and at the same time, the need to enhance the disclosure of public interest information. ‘Good’ information must be put to light while ‘wrong’ information must remain in the dark. Where can we draw  the line ? And who must do it ?

Presenter : Dr. Amélie Lachapelle

Panel

I. The need to enhance the disclosure of public interest information

• Dr. Vigjilenca Abazi (Assistant Professor in European Law - University of Maastricht) - Speaking Truth to Power: Whistleblowing during (health) crisis
• Prof. Dr. Wim Vandekerckhove (Professor of Business Ethics - University of Greenwich) - Whistleblowing and information ethics: how to avoid entropy
  

Question Time

II. The need to prevent the spread of fake news

• Prof. em. Dr. Yves Poullet (Professor of ICT Law - University of Namur) - That is not a Fake News

• Prof. Dr. Alexandre de Streel (Professor of European Law - University of Namur)
  

Question Time

III. The way to regulate the flow of information in the age of transparency

• Prof. Dr. Muriel Hanot (Professor of Journalism and CDJ Member - University of Louvain-la-Neuve) - Good news, bad news ? The key role of selfregulation in (re)building public confidence in overflowing news contents

• Philippe Lamberts (Member of European Parliament - Verts/ALE) - Building trust: how transparency and social justice can prevent the spread of fake news
  

Question Time 

 

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Contact : Sarah Fievet - sarah.fievet@unamur.be
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