Battling misinformation: How can digital spaces be made safe for the LGBTIQ+ community?
26
June 2025 — 5:00PM TO 6:00PM
Anonymous (not verified)
29 May 2025
Chatham House and Online
This panel assess how policy and platforms can better protect minority groups online. A drinks reception will follow this event.
This panel assess how policy and platforms can better protect minority groups online.
Digital spaces are essential infrastructure for modern, functioning societies. But in a rapidly changing world order and increasingly fragmented democracies under siege, these spaces are rife with mis- and disinformation and hate speech.
Minority groups like the LGBTIQ+ communities have long been the target of disinformation and hate speech. But today’s digital spaces are uniquely polluted. Online platforms fail to prevent abuse, with some going as far as reversing protections. Content regulation is constantly under fire for being either too strong or too weak. Political leaders promote falsehoods about minorities widely and without check.
How democracies navigate LGBTIQ+ protections and free speech raises bigger questions about the state of inclusive, digital democracies and minority rights in an evolving global landscape.
To commemorate Pride Month, this session will explore how governments and societies handle minority rights online in a volatile world, covering:
- What is the state of online hate speech and disinformation targeting the LGBTIQ+ communities?
- What parts of the LGBTIQ+ communities are at most risk from digital threats?
- How is global (dis)ordering related to the current backsliding on LGBTIQ+ rights, online and offline?
- What role can and should digital platforms play in protecting LGBTIQ+ rights?
- How can democracies better protect LGBTIQ+ rights and freedoms online?
A drinks reception will follow this event.
By registering for this event, attendees agree to our Code of Conduct, ensuring a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming space for diverse perspectives and debate.
Source: Chathamhouse Events