IGF 2025 Lightning Talk #198 Countering Online Ops & Hate Speech: Global Case Studies

    ProboxVE
    Mariví Marín – ProBoxVE (Venezuela): Authoritarian narrative mapping Lillian Nalwoga – CIPESA (Uganda): Regional info ops and civic awareness Roberta Braga – DDIA (Brazil/US): Comparative disinformation in open democracies Liz Orembo – Research ICT Africa (Kenya): Regional data and narrative tracking Tomás Lawrence – (Chile): Civic tech tools for narrative monitoring Abdullah Ahmadi – ADDO (Afghanistan): Disinformation and civic resilience in fragile states
    Speakers
    Lillian Nalwoga – CIPESA (Uganda): Regional info ops and civic awareness Roberta Braga – DDIA (Brazil/US): Comparative disinformation in open democracies Liz Orembo – Research ICT Africa (Kenya): Regional data and narrative tracking Tomás Lawrence – (Chile): Civic tech tools for narrative monitoring
    Onsite Moderator
    Mariví Marín, Executive Director – ProBoxVE, Venezuela
    Rapporteur
    Lillian Nalwoga – CIPESA (Uganda): Regional info ops and civic awareness
    SDGs
    4.7
    9.c
    16.10
    16.6
    16.a


    Targets: The session aligns with SDG 16.10 and 16.a by promoting transparency, public access to information, and institutional resilience against harmful information flows. It supports 16.6 by highlighting civic tech initiatives that strengthen accountability. By featuring education-based and research-driven approaches, it contributes to SDG 4.7, while the focus on digital access and ICT tools connects to SDG 9.c—especially for underrepresented communities and fragile states.
    Format
    The session will feature a curated sequence of short, timed talks followed by a brief moderated Q&A to draw connections across regions and approaches. Both in-person and online speakers will participate, ensuring hybrid inclusion. Interactive tools like a shared Google Doc will support real-time collaboration, while live polls and a final audience vote will highlight the most impactful or scalable ideas presented. This format encourages engagement, rapid learning, and follow-up beyond the session.
    Duration (minutes)
    30
    Description
    This dynamic series of 4-5 minute lightning talks will spotlight real-world responses to disinformation, hate speech, and digital information operations. Speakers from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and beyond will showcase grassroots and institutional approaches—from mapping authoritarian narratives to deploying civic tech and AI tools to monitor and counter harmful content online. Talks will reflect the challenges faced in the Global South and explore scalable innovations with global relevance. Participants will leave with fresh insights, new contacts, and access to tools for tracing and responding to information threats.

    Additional (Online) moderator and Shared Google Doc with tools and contacts. Live and Post-event voting on “top 3 scalable ideas”.