Academic Freedom Under Attack

This panel discussion addresses the growing global assault on academic freedom—a cornerstone of democratic societies now under increasing threat from authoritarian regimes.

In this panel, organised by the AI, Media and Democracy Lab, we will explore how academic freedom is challenged today and why its defense matters not only for universities, but for journalism, public knowledge and democratic societies more broadly. The panel will also examine the challenges and opportunities that digital technologies and AI pose in this context.

Speakers include special guest Prof. Oscar Westlund (Professor at the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Oslo Metropolitan University and Editor-in-Chief of Digital Journalism) and Prof. Natali Helberger (Professor Law & Digital Technology, with a special focus on AI at University of Amsterdam).

The panel program will consist of short introductions by the speakers, followed by a moderated discussion and Q&A with the audience. More speakers and a full program will follow soon.