Conference Abstract

The Distortions, Rumours, Untruths, Misinformation and Smears (DRUMS) conference will examine information manipulation and interference in the global political environment of uncertainty. The speakers will explore DRUMS in relation to the uncertainties created by the ongoing wars and competition between world powers, and recent and upcoming elections. They will expand on the current and future threats unfolding in the information environment and discuss countermeasures.

Who Should Attend

Policy-makers, academics, and other experts who are: (a) concerned about DRUMS, (b) focused on their sociopolitical implications, and (c) interested in efforts to counter these threats.

Confirmed Panels & Speakers (as of 14 November 2024)

Keynote Speech (with Question & Answer)

• Graham Brookie, Vice President and Senior Director, Digital Forensic Research Lab

Panel 1: Information Manipulation and Interference in Times of Uncertainty (with Question & Answer)

• Dr Akin Unver, Associate Professor, Ozyegin University
• Dr Janjira Sombatpoonsiri, Research Fellow, German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) and Assistant Professor, Chulalongkorn University
• Major Serafym Sych, Senior Officer, Information and Psychological Operations Directorate of the Main Communication Directorate, Armed Forces of Ukraine

Panel 2: Election Interference: Cases from Around the Globe (with Question & Answer)

• Pieter Pandie, Researcher, Centre for Strategic and International Studies
• Dr Samantha Bradshaw, Director, Center for Security, Innovation, and New Technology, American University
• Professor Paolo Cesarini, Chair of Executive Board, European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO)

Panel 3: Emerging Technology (Generative Artificial Intelligence) and Future Uncertainties (with Question & Answer)

• Dr Doowan Lee, CSO, EdgeTheory; Social Media Task Force, Georgetown University
• Dr Kokil Jaidka, Assistant Professor, Communications and New Media, National University of Singapore
• Dr Priyanka Bhalla, Head of Safety Policy, APAC, Meta

Panel 4: Case Studies: Exploring Platforms, Targets, Tactics and Countermeasures (with Question & Answer)

• Harris Zainul, Deputy Director (Research), ISIS Malaysia
• McKenzie Sadeghi, AI and Foreign Influence Editor, NewsGuard
• Dr Viet Tho Le, Deputy Dean, School of Media and Applied Arts, University of Management and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam