Truth, Social Media and Conspiracy Theories: Social Media Regulation

Folio presents a timely series of panel discussions on Truth, Social Media Regulation and Cults and Conspiracy Theories, moderated by political commentator and Folio board member Morton Kondracke.

The flow of misinformation and the response from social media companies to recent events in the U.S. capitol suggest a turning point in how social platforms manage harmful content on their platforms and support free speech. Can platforms support free speech and self-regulate the spread of misinformation or should government bodies approach social media regulation?

Join panelists Nicole Buckley, Hazelton Fellow at UW's Center for an Informed Public and researcher on the UW/StanfordElection Integrity Project, State Senators Reuven Carlyle, chair of the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology (EET) Committee and Senator Doug Ericksen, ranking Republican on the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology (EET) Committee, for a conversation on the need for social media regulation. 

About the panelists: 

Nicole Buckley is a J.D. candidate at the UW School of Law. At the Lab, her research focused on the nexus between platform liability reform efforts and behavioral politics. Nicole is currently working at UW's Center for an Informed Public, where she researches and analyzes election-related misinformation.

State Senator Reuven Carlyle represents Washington’s 36th Legislative District (including the Northwest Seattle neighborhoods of South Lake Union, Belltown, Ballard, Queen Anne, Greenwood and Magnolia) in the State Senate. Reuven served in the state House of Representatives from 2009-2016 before being elected to the Senate. A passionate advocate for data-driven solutions, he served as chair of the House Finance Committee and as a budget writer, and passed sweeping legislation ensuring open transparency of the value of tax preferences.

He now chairs the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology (EET) Committee and serves on the Senate Ways & Means and Rules committees.

Senator Doug Ericksen is ranking minority member on the Senate Energy, Environment and Technology Committee. He also serves on the Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee. His legislative priorities include providing solutions to keep energy prices low, create jobs and enhance our quality of life. Born and raised in Whatcom County, Doug Ericksen has been bringing hometown values and solutions to Olympia since 1998.   After serving six terms in the House, he was elected to the Senate in 2010. Senator Ericksen represents Whatcom County’s 42nd District, from Bellingham to the Canadian border