Disformation 2019 at SXSW: Jonathon Morgan and New Knowledge return to the spotlight (Scandal? What scandal?)
3-8-16
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Remember Jonathon Morgan? He was the subject of a BIG DIGG just a couple of months ago. Things weren't going too well for him due to the Alabama election meddling scandal in which he has been accused of trying to affect the outcome of a Senatorial election. Last we saw him in early January, he was in a world of hurt, protesting his innocence, insisting that he was just doing a "small experiment" on social media–nothing with the power to change election results. Nevertheless, Dem Roy Moore unexpectedly won over Repub Doug Jones. See next page for the back story.
If Morgan had been a Trump supporter, this "experiment" would certainly have completely and permanently destroyed his career. He would likely have been investigated by the FBI. But he's a liberal, so there's no hue and cry; FB suspended his account, but that's not much of a penalty. I've been wondering just how long it would take for his reputation to be miraculously resurrected.
Not long at all, just 2 months (less if you include planning time). Because this week at the SXSW conference, not only is Morgan participating–his company New Knowledge is organizing six sessions (see also CAP).
New Knowledge Panels (Disinformation 2019)
Disinformation 2019: Brands in the Crosshairs
Jonathon Morgan & Robert Matney (NK) & Mo Johnson (Data for Democracy–also part of NK); Joshua Lowcock (vc); & Janice Peason (Bayer).
"How responsible corporate leaders can best defend brand reputation & equity."
[Anons, note the last person is from BAYER…."]
AI: the Silver Bullet against disinformation?
Shaarik Zafar (Facebook) & Annie Klomhaus (New Knowledge)
Fighting Misinformation & Defending the Open Web
Discussion of how to use legislation to combat the spread of misinformation (although there is lip service given to free speech).
Media Literacy: The Real Impact of Fake News
"A multi-sensory experience that focuses on media literacy." [Huh??]
Brand: the New Political Reality
Experts discuss branding: "Brands have become our reality." They can get boycotted for taking thewrong position on an issue, "so it's never been more important to get it right."
How Can we Fight Fake News without Killing the Truth?
Internet facilitates the flow of info but also "fake news, post-truth & hate speech," creating "chaos." How to "ensure that all [online] stakeholders…have their right of free expression and their right to not be manipulated protected?"
[Whoa, whoa, whoa….I think we've finally hit the jackpot.
''What exactly is the Right NOT to be manipulate?''
Sounds like a "freedom FROM" right–exactly the kind the Dems want instead of the "freedom TO" rights already guaranteed by our Constitution. Look what they are just slipping in here, hoping nobody grasp its significance.]