Antônio Carlos Magalhães Auditorium (Interlegis Building)
March 25 to 27, 2024
Presentation
Because they are based on information and communication, digital technologies have a major influence on society, generating changes in all sectors. As a result, the changes brought about by digitalization, particularly in democratic institutions, have been the focus of attention around the world.
The Federal Senate celebrates its 200th anniversary, drawing attention to the crucial role of parliaments in today's technological context. As the main responsible for producing norms, legislative houses around the world must act as pioneers in guaranteeing the well-being of society.
In view of this, the International Seminar Democracy and New Technologies: Challenges of the Digital Age aims to promote high-level debates on the profound social transformations currently being experienced as a result of the widespread use of digital technologies, with a view to identifying challenges and possible ways of guaranteeing benefits and, at the same time, protection against possible risks and threats arising from the new technological scenario.
Context
The transformations resulting from digitalization are notorious. Since societies are based on information and communication, digital technologies have a great influence on them, generating changes in all of its sectors, so that "horizontal digital communication networks have become the backbone of our lives" (1).
Clearly, the field of politics could not remain immune to the profound changes triggered by the spread of these new technologies. It is worth remembering that, in this respect, the initial reactions to these changes, both in terms of theoretical reflection and in the common sense of the informed citizen, were optimistic. If technology allowed access to citizens' momentary preferences on any matter, the physical limitations to direct democracy, traditionally pointed out in the literature, seemed to have collapsed. This is the meaning of the expression "digital agora", which came into vogue at the end of the 20th century.
The optimistic outlook still prevailed in the following years. Mass movements broke out in different countries, fueled by a combination of social media and street demonstrations (2). The "Pots and Pans Revolution" in Iceland, the Arab Spring, the "indignados" in Spain, the American "Occupy Wall Street" movement, all kept thousands of people on the streets for days and months, demanding democracy where there wasn't any, and more democracy where there wasn't enough. In all cases, the alliance between new digital technologies and democratic and progressive political agendas seemed solid and lasting.
The first warning about the potential threats of new technologies to the integrity of democratic processes of deliberation came with the British referendum in June 2016 on whether or not the country should remain in the European Union, often referred to as Brexit. The case drew attention to the potential for political marketing to manipulate public opinion when equipped with the enormous mass of data provided by digital media users. It has been shown that voter insecurity, fear and resentment can be exploited through the fabrication and mass dissemination of lies tailor-made for specific purposes, including electoral ones.
(1) CASTELLS, Manuel. O poder da comunicação [Original: Communication power]. São Paulo: Paz e Terra, 2015.
(2) CASTELLS, Manuel. Redes de indignação e esperança [Original: Networks of Outrage and Hope]. Rio de Janeiro: Zahar, 2013.
Since then, reports of political manipulation using digital media tools have multiplied in many democratic countries around the world. In Brazil, the most recent and emblematic case, which is currently under investigation, concerns the enticement of demonstrators and incitement to occupy public spaces by groups organized on digital media after the results of the 2022 elections were announced.
These continued demonstrations resulted, on January 8, 2023, in an episode of physical and symbolic violence against the palaces of the three branches of the Brazilian government—architectural symbols of the current democratic constitutional order—broadcast live to the entire country.
The relationship between democracy and digital technologies is, therefore, a relevant issue in the world and a very topical one for the Brazilian society.
This seminar has political and informative goals. The aim is to clarify the issue, highlighting the crucial role of the legislative activity in this scenario. In addition, it is intended to identify possible ways to guarantee the benefits of new technologies and to combat any risks embedded in the use of digital tools.
The Seminar focuses on four audiences: political decision-makers in the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches; members of the technical staff that informs the deliberation process in these branches; agents who mediate this discussion with public opinion, such as digital influencers, journalists, teachers, students and activists from organized civil movements; and citizens in general.
Languages
The event will be conducted in Portuguese. English and Spanish translations will be available simultaneously. For in-person participants, simultaneous interpretation/translation will be available in the auditorium. For remote participants, the event will be broadcast on TV Senado's YouTube channel in Portuguese, English and Spanish.
Contacts
Public Relations Secretariat Contact
Phone: +55 (61) 3303-3388
E-mail: eventos@senado.leg.br
Press Office Contact
Phone: +55 (61) 3303-3966 / +55 (61) 99837-4366