In the past 20 years, the internet has dramatically affected the ways we share, consume and exchange information. It has affected how we produce meaning and the very functioning of democracies. These disruptions have persuaded some that there is a need to establish additional regulations for online media.

Surely, choosing when and how to regulate the media has always been a challenge. There is a balance to be struck between the need to safeguard the freedom and independence of the media and the need to counter phenomena such as disinformation and hate speech.

The rise of digital media, however, has exacerbated the problem. Hate speech and disinformation are now increasingly ubiquitous online. And what happens online does not stay online; it acts as an accelerant on processes of discrimination in the world offline.

If we look into the current situation of media regulation and self-regulating media mechanisms in Kosovo, do we seem adequately equipped to fight hate speech and disinformation online? Are there lessons to be learned from other countries? What changes do need to be implemented to make Kosovo’s online world a safe space for everyone?

For our discussion, we will be joined by:

• Violeta Hyseni Kelmendi, Board Member of the Independent Media Commission of Kosovo
• Jeton Mehmeti, Author of the factsheet “National regulatory and self-regulatory framework against hate speech and disinformation” in Kosovo published by SEENPM, the Peace Institute and Kosovo 2.0
• Tamás Berecz, Operational Manager of the International Network Against Cyber Hate
• Ardita Zejnullahu, Executive Director of the Association of Broadcast Media of Kosovo

The roundtable will be moderated by Besa Luci, Editor-in-Chief of Kosovo 2.0.

The talk will be held at the Lapidarium of the National Museum on March 29 at 11:00. Translation between Albanian, English and Serbian will be provided.

Guests are expected to wear masks and respect social distancing during the event.

This event is organized with the financial support of the European Union, as part of the regional program ‘RESILIENCE: Civil society action to reaffirm media freedom and counter disinformation and hateful propaganda in Western Balkans and Turkey,’ implemented by partner organizations SEENPM, Albanian Media Institute, Mediacentar Sarajevo, Kosovo 2.0, Montenegrin Media Institute, Macedonian Institute for Media, Novi Sad School of Journalism, Peace Institute and Bianet.

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