WEBINAR INVITATION: Deepfakes, Democracy, and Synthetic Media
The SOLARIS Projectconsortium is pleased to announce an online event dedicated to one of the most pressing issues of our digital age: the rise of deepfakes and synthetic media. Drawing on the soon to be published book Deepfakes, Democracy, and the Ethics of Synthetic Media – A Synthesis of the SOLARIS Project, the event will bring together the authors, researchers, journalists, policymakers and engaged citizens to explore how AI-generated content is reshaping societies, politics, journalism, and law. The session will take place on 8 January 2026, from 16:00 to 18:00 CET, and will be held entirely online via ZOOM. Registration is available here.
As generative AI continues to advance, synthetic media are becoming more realistic, more accessible, and more widely used. Their rapid spread poses significant challenges for journalism, political communication, public trust, and democratic processes. Building on three years of experience under the SOLARIS project, this webinar offers an opportunity to critically examine these developments, bringing together the authors and a group of expert participants for a structured, chapter-by-chapter conversation. Designed as a space for critical reflection, the webinar will examine how synthetic media undermine truth, trust, and democratic processes, while also highlighting emerging possibilities for creative and civic innovation.
The event is designed for researchers, students, journalists, policymakers, and engaged citizens interested in the ethical, societal, and political implications of deepfake technologies. Members of the SOLARIS Consortium will participate alongside 4–8 external discussants, including two book reviewers.
Agenda
16:00 – 16:10 — Welcome & Introduction to the Project
16:10 – 16:20 — Overview of the Book & Introduction of External Guests
16:20 – 17:40 — Chapters Discussions
17:40 – 18:00 — Q&A and Closing Remarks
When to watch?
The webinar will take place on the 8th January 2026 from 16:00 to 18:00 CET.
Where to watch?
ZOOM after preliminary registration on this link.
Make sure not to miss it and follow SOLARIS project on social media.
About SOLARIS
The SOLARIS research project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, which aims to address the challenges posed by generative AI technologies by fostering international cooperation and developing frameworks for AI governance, democratic resilience, and security.