Dignity in Conflict: Investigating the role of open-source content in exposing vulnerable persons to public curiosity during armed conflict

Making conflict-related content available and visible online can help to identify violations of international law, raise awareness and facilitate accountability. At the same time, some of this content may humiliate or expose victims, causing significant dignitary and emotional harm to them and their loved ones. How does this potential tension play out in practice? How can it be resolved?

This event will explore these and other questions, drawing on the findings of the latest Essex Digital Verification Unit (DVU) report ‘Dignity in Conflict’. Analysing 77 pieces of open-source content showing vulnerable individuals during armed conflict, the report raises intricate legal and ethical questions. The launch event will explore these questions from different perspectives, ranging from international criminal law to international humanitarian law, platform regulation, and open-source intelligence practice.

Agenda:

Introductory remarks

Presentation of the Essex DVU report ‘Dignity in Conflict’ by Tatjana Grote (University of Essex)

Panel discussion and Q&A

Linda Ngesa – International Committee of the Red Cross

Konstantina Stavrou – University of Vienna

Laetitia Maurat – Centre for Information Resilience

Dr Matthew Gillett – University of Essex (Moderator)

A drinks reception will follow the panel discussion.

Description supplied by the event organiser.