Centre for Digital Trust and Society Forum 2024 a DIGITAL FUTURES EVENT

The Centre for Digital Trust and Society (CDTS) at The University of Manchester once again demonstrated its leadership in exploring the intricacies of digital trust and security with the successful completion of its third CDTS Forum. Held on 3rd July, the event brought together a diverse group of national and international partners, including researchers, public sector representatives, industry experts, and community partners, to engage in meaningful discussions on the challenges and opportunities in the digital landscape.

With a sold-out audience eagerly participating, the forum kicked off with a warm welcome from Professor Nick Lord, setting the tone for a day filled with insightful presentations and engaging panel discussions. Professor Genevieve Liveley's keynote presentation "Futures Thinking: Anticipating Barriers to Trust in Cyber Security" captivated attendees, providing a comprehensive overview of the Research Institute for Sociotechnical Cyber Security and The Universal Barriers Framework.

Next we enjoyed 3 thought provoking panels, exploring different areas of digital trust and security with experts of the field. Here are some highlights from the panels:

Panel 1: Online Harms - Rebuilding Trust in Our Digital World

Chaired by Dr Mihaela Popa-Wyatt, this panel delved into the complex issue of online harms and the erosion of trust in digital platforms. The esteemed panellists, including Professor Jacob Rowbottom from the University of Oxford, Professor Emma Barrett from the University of Manchester, and Professor Mary Kate McGowan from Wellesley College, shared their expertise on the multifaceted nature of online harms and discussed the following topics:

• Online safety act
• Safety regulations, policies and responsibilities
• Keeping up with rapid advancements of technologies
• Causes of mistrust and disinformation

Panel 2: Power Dynamics in Digital Platforms

Paul Wilshaw, Chief Product Officer at Zally, chaired this panel, which explored the power dynamics inherent in digital platforms. Dr Sam Hind from the University of Manchester, Dr Yang Zhao from Aston Business School, and Dr Lianrui Jia from the University of Sheffield provided diverse perspectives on the influence of digital platforms over data, economies, and societal discourse. The discussion illuminated the complexities of trust in these platforms, discussing the below topics:

• Strategies of digital platforms
• The development of new power dynamics through new business models incorporating digital platforms
• Platforms as structuring development of AI
• Issues of US big tech/platform monopolies
• Financialization of digital platforms
• Globalization of China-based platforms

Panel 3: Generative AI and Security

The final panel, chaired by Dr Youcheng Sun, addressed the rapidly evolving field of generative AI and its security implications. Dr Mhairi Aitken from The Alan Turing Institute, Professor Fredrik Heintz from Linköping University, and Andrew Paverd from Microsoft engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of innovation, security, and ethics in generative AI, examining the below topics:

• Does generative AI make the world less secure?
• Ethical implications of generative AI
• Regulation and policy for generative AI
• Embedding generative AI Into new products and ways to ensure safe and successful product deliveries

Looking Ahead

The success of the third CDTS Forum underscores the importance of continued interdisciplinary dialogue in addressing the challenges of digital trust. As we move forward, the insights and connections forged at this event will play a crucial role in shaping an inclusive and secure digital future. The Centre for Digital Trust and Society remains committed to advancing research and fostering collaborations that will help rebuild and sustain trust in digital technologies.