In an era dominated by the digital realm, the intersection of technology, warfare, and ethical considerations should take center stage. The Zvi Meitar Institute for Legal Implications of Emerging Technologies at Reichman University, in collaboration with the Shurat HaDin organization, recently organized a conference on the impact of social networks during times of war. While originally planned before the outbreak of the October 7th War, the conflict provided a new dimension to the discourse, focusing the conference on freedom of expression, fake news, and the influence of social networks on public opinion, specifically addressing the rise of anti-semitism and the encouragement of terrorism worldwide.
Key figures in the discussion included Attorney Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, President of Shurat HaDin, who engaged in a conversation with H.E Mark Regev, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister and former Israeli Ambassador to United Kingdom. The focal point of their discussion was the role of fake news in asymmetric warfare. Darshan-Leitner posed a critical question about how democratic countries can defend themselves against organizations operating outside the boundaries of international law, employing fake news as a tool of war. Regev responded emphatically, asserting that democratic nations should adhere to self-imposed ethical and moral limitations even in the face of such unconventional warfare.
From left: H.E Mark Regev, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister and former Israeli Ambassador to United Kingdom, and Attorney Nitsana Darshan Leitner, President of Shurat HaDin
Photo: Oren Shalev
Another significant contributor to the conversation was Attorney Emi Palmor, a member of Meta's content moderation Oversight Board. Meta has established a "regulatory startup" in the form of an Oversight Board, comprising 23 experts from various fields, tasked with addressing fundamental issues related to human rights and freedom of expression for Meta's 2.2 billion users globally. This unique tribunal invites public input on its decisions, aiming to create a more inclusive and transparent approach to governance. Palmor shed light on Meta's innovative approach to addressing some of these pressing war-related challenges in social media.
Highlighting the global nature of the discussion, the Meta Oversight Board engages stakeholders in virtual round tables, allowing diverse perspectives to shape decisions. Unfortunately, as mentioned during the conference, Israeli organizations have been hesitant to participate, revealing a gap in global representation.
Attorney Emi Palmor, member of Meta's content moderation Oversight Board
Photo: Oren Shalev
The conference concluded with a panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Dov Greenbaum, Director of the Zvi Meitar Institute, on "The Wild West – the challenges of freedom of expression on social media", featuring insights from experts in counter-terrorism, data governance, and the Israel Internet Association.
Col. (Res.) Miri Izan, Director of the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism at Reichman University, emphasized the need to address the framing of terrorism in media narratives. She noted the challenge of conveying the reality of actions, particularly in the context of international audiences with differing perspectives.
Prof. Karin Nahon, Head of the Data, Government and Democracy Division at the Sammy Ofer School of Communications, highlighted the prevalence of fake news in a world dominated by social networks. She underscored the non-neutral nature of these platforms, shaped by the values of their creators, and influenced by sponsored campaigns and agendas.
Dr. Assaf Weiner, Head of Regulation and Policy at the Israel Internet Association, emphasized the role of citizens in combating fake news and incitement. He encouraged active reporting of false information, shifting some responsibility from the platforms to the public.
Attorney Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor, CEO and founder of CyberWell, provided a sobering perspective on the increase in anti-semitism on social networks since the outbreak of the October 7th war. Cohen called for learning from history and implementing checks and balances on social networks to prevent the spread of hate.
In a world where information travels at the speed of light, the conference highlighted the need for collective efforts to navigate the challenges posed by social networks during times of war. It called for innovative solutions, ethical considerations, and global cooperation to ensure that the digital battlefield remains a space of dialogue rather than division.
From right: Prof. Dov Greenbaum, Director of the Zvi Meitar Institute, Col (Res.) Miri Izan, Director of the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism, Prof. Karin Nahon, Head of the Data, Government and Democracy Division at the Sammy Ofer School of Communications, Dr. Assaf Weiner, Head of Regulation and Policy at the Israel Internet Association, and Attorney Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor, CEO and founder of CyberWell
Photo: Oren Shalev
In a world where information travels at the speed of light, the conference highlighted the need for collective efforts to navigate the challenges posed by social networks during times of war. It called for innovative solutions, ethical considerations, and global cooperation to ensure that the digital battlefield remains a space of dialogue rather than division.