Digital Power and Free Speech

The Institute for Politics and Society organizes a roundtable on Digital Power and Free Speech.

Prague

Technology profoundly shapes modern democracy, particularly through its impact on free speech and the public sphere. Digital platforms and algorithms regulate the flow of information and influence how we understand, practice, and defend fundamental rights—including freedom of expression. Once a foundational democratic principle, free speech has become a contested and evolving concept in the digital age. From misinformation and online polarization to growing content moderation and surveillance, the digital environment raises serious concerns about who controls speech, how it's shaped, and whose voices are heard—or silenced.

What does free speech mean in the digital space today, and how is its definition changing? Who holds the power to regulate online speech—and how is that power exercised or contested? Are tools like fact-checking and moderation protecting democracy or undermining it? How can individuals and institutions defend free expression while resisting the abuse of digital platforms?
Confirmed speakers:
  • Karel Havlíček,Vice-President, Chamber of Deputies, Czechia
  • Haykuhi Harutyunyan, Former Chair, Corruption Prevention Commission, Armenia
  • Martin Ivan Yeza, Member, Chamber of Deputies, Argentina
Moderator:
  • Šárka Shoup, Executive Director, Institute for Politics and Society, Czechia

The discussion will take place on 13 October 2025 in Prague and is organized within the framework of the Forum 2000 conference.

The event will be held in English without interpretation and is by invitation only.