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The spread of hate speech and disinformation on social media isn’t just a U.S. problem — countries around the world are grappling with this growing threat. Free Press is a leading figure in the fight to keep users safe on these platforms and protect our democracy.

In May, Free Press staff took part in events exploring toxicity on social media as well as efforts to transform journalism and expose systemic racism in the media. This work would not have been possible without your commitment to Free Press:

A Global Approach

Free Press Co-CEO Jessica J. González moderated a panel discussion at the Global Summit to Address Online Harms and Misinformation, presented by the Center for Countering Digital Hate. The panel explored how social-media companies and other tech giants profit from the spread of extreme content and have no economic incentives to protect users.

Senior Counsel and Director of Digital Justice and Civil Rights Nora Benavidez spoke at the Responsible Tech Summit, hosted by All Tech Is Human and the Consulate General of Canada. The panel discussed new challenges to free expression in digital spaces. Nora also took part in a Human Rights Watch panel about disinformation and immigration reform.

New Voices Director Vanessa Maria Graber traveled to Cuba as part of the Witness for Peace Solidarity delegation, which included journalists, media-makers and organizers. The group met with unions, educators, historians, artists, journalists and economists, among others.

Imagining New Approaches to Journalism

Congratulations to Vanessa Maria and Simon Galperin of the Bloomfield Information Project for winning the award for “session we can’t stop talking about” at Chicago’s Collaborative Journalism Summit! In their workshop “Consensus Decision-Making in Journalism Collaborations,” the two shared the approach of the New Jersey Community Media Collaborative, which Free Press helps coordinate.

Vice President of Cultural Strategy Collette Watson helped facilitate the first public screening of the Media 2070 documentary Black in the Newsroom. The film, which Collette directed, centers on a young journalist who contends with systemic racism and low pay while working at The Arizona Republic. The screening was held at Arizona State University and included a panel discussion featuring Black community organizers, entrepreneurs, artists and media-makers.

Support Free Press

As one of Free Press’ most committed activists you are helping to make this — and all of our work — possible. Will you take the next step and donate to Free Press? We rely on donations from our most dedicated members to support the workshops, speaking engagements and panel discussions that help us achieve justice for all.

With gratitude,

Amy Kroin
Editor
freepress.net