FULL SPEECH: Maria Ressa at the Freedom of Expression Conference

Summary

Maria Ressa, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and journalist, discusses the urgent need to defend democracy against the erosion of truth and trust in information. Highlighting the impact of disinformation on elections and the rise of illiberal leaders, she calls for courage in the face of fear, emphasizing the power of individuals to shape the future through education, legislation, and civic engagement. Ressa shares her experiences with legal attacks and online harassment, advocating for a collective effort to uphold the rule of law and create a shared reality based on facts.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Maria Ressa, a journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, emphasizes the importance of truth and trust in the face of technology's impact on freedom of information.
• 🗣️ She calls for courage in defending democracy against the 'death by a thousand cuts' to personal hopes, dreams, and integrity, urging individuals to embrace their fears.
• 📉 Ressa highlights the decline in global democracies, comparing current numbers to those in 1989, and warns of the potential for democracy to 'fall off the cliff' by 2024 if trends continue.
• 📅 She discusses the impact of disinformation on elections, citing the Philippines' presidential elections and the role of social media in spreading false narratives.
• 🛡️ Ressa describes the various forms of online attacks against her and other news organizations, including DDoS attacks and black hat SEO tactics, illustrating the challenges faced by journalists.
• 🏛️ She shares updates on legal battles against her and Rappler, including cyber libel complaints, showcasing the weaponization of the law as a form of intimidation.
• 🤝 Ressa introduces the concept of a 'whole of society approach' to combat disinformation, involving collaboration among news organizations, civil society, businesses, and the church.
• 🔍 The importance of research in understanding disinformation campaigns and the role of academics in providing data to the public is underscored by Ressa.
• 📚 She stresses the need for education on media literacy and the role of legislation in regulating social media platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation.
• 📉 Ressa's personal experiences reflect the broader struggle for truth and the sacrifices made by those who stand up for a shared reality based on facts.
• 🌱 Her five lessons for maintaining courage in the face of challenges include learning, speaking out, drawing the line between good and evil, trusting, and having faith in a better future.

Q & A

Who is Maria Ressa and what is her connection to Rappler?

Maria Ressa is a journalist, author, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She is the founder and CEO of Rappler, a news site based in the Philippines.

What is Maria Ressa's main concern regarding the state of democracy globally?

Maria Ressa is concerned about the decline in the number of democracies worldwide, comparing the current situation to the numbers in 1989. She fears that the rise of disinformation and illiberal leaders could lead to the end of democracy.

What is the significance of the 'death by a thousand cuts' metaphor used by Maria Ressa?

The 'death by a thousand cuts' metaphor is used by Maria Ressa to describe the gradual erosion of democracy and personal integrity through various forms of attacks, including disinformation and cyber-libel.

How has technology impacted the right to freedom of information according to Maria Ressa?

Maria Ressa believes that technology, particularly social media, has contributed to the spread of disinformation and the manipulation of public opinion, which in turn affects the right to freedom of information.

What is the role of the 'mesh layer' in Maria Ressa's strategy to combat disinformation?

The 'mesh layer' involves civil society groups, business groups, and other stakeholders who help distribute fact-checks and add emotion to the content, making it more engaging and shareable on social media.

What are the five lessons Maria Ressa shared from her book?

The five lessons are: 1) Learn, 2) Speak, 3) Draw the line, 4) Trust, and 5) Have faith. These lessons emphasize the importance of education, vocalizing concerns, establishing clear moral boundaries, fostering trust, and maintaining faith in humanity.

How did Maria Ressa describe the impact of social media on human behavior?

Maria Ressa described social media as a platform that amplifies fear, anger, and hatred, pushing people to their worst behaviors and eroding the shared reality anchored by facts.

What is the significance of the 'person-to-person defense of democracy' Maria Ressa mentioned?

The 'person-to-person defense of democracy' refers to the individual responsibility each person has to protect democracy by being informed, vocal, and active in their communities, especially in the face of disinformation.

What challenges has Rappler faced in terms of legal attacks?

Rappler has faced numerous cyber libel complaints, with Maria Ressa herself facing seven existing criminal cases. These legal challenges are seen as attempts to harass and intimidate the news organization.

How does Maria Ressa view the role of education in combating disinformation?

Maria Ressa views education as a critical tool in combating disinformation. She emphasizes the need for people to learn and understand the issues at hand, especially in the context of the information ecosystem.

What is the importance of civic engagement in the age of disinformation according to Maria Ressa?

Maria Ressa believes that civic engagement is crucial in the age of disinformation. It involves active participation from individuals and organizations to fact-check, distribute truth, and uphold the rule of law to protect democracy.