‘Elections Special’ - Law in Context

Are you still confused about how the US electoral system works? Have you been invited to an election night party by your American friends but not quite sure what makes swing states such a big deal? Are you trying to keep up with the latest on the presidential candidates and the global debates that will shape the outcome and aftermath of the election? Are you curious about the law of cyberattacks, online influencers, deep fakes (yes, even Taylor Swift!) and personal data in political campaigns, and the role of Big Tech in spreading —or stopping— fake news? 

Join us for this ‘Elections Special’ double episode of our Law in Context event and podcast series, organised in the context of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2024. The series is hosted at the School of Law, University of Sheffield, by Dr Anna Ventouratou and Dr Sotirios Lekkas and aims to provide an accessible overview of the legal matters pertaining to current affairs and the broader context within which the law operates. It is addressed to anyone that wants to know more about current affairs and what’s law got to do with it. 

Our stellar panel for this event is the following: 

• Part I: Professor Bojan Bugarič (University of Sheffield), Professor David Dunn (University of Birmingham), and Professor Rachel Gibson (University of Manchester) 
• Part II:  Dr Jack Kenny (University of Manchester and BIICL), Dr Mando Rachovitsa (University of Nottingham), and Professor Nicholas Tsagourias  (University of Sheffield)

This event will follow the signature format of our Law in Context series, which blends expert insights with lively discussion. It will take place at the Montgomery Theatre in an informal setting and the bar of the venue will be open for refreshments. 

Part I (15:00 - 16:30): We’ll break down key legal and policy issues shaping the upcoming US Presidential Elections, from the intricacies of the electoral system and campaign dynamics to the global political implications, the impact of social media and fake news, the role of online influencers and data-driven campaigns, and the critical legal and political challenges at the core of this election. The first 45 minutes will be a discussion amongst panellists recorded as a podcast. Afterward, we'll open the floor for a Q&A session with the audience—this portion won’t be recorded, giving you the perfect opportunity to ask your burning questions and engage with the panel of experts. 

Part II (17:00 - 18:30): After a short break, we will dive deeper into the intersection of elections and digital technologies, covering critical issues in modern election processes. We will discuss the law governing cyber-operations and electoral interference, data privacy and the use of personal data in electoral campaigns, digital rights and political participation, freedom of speech, and the rise of disinformation campaigns. Expect a lively panel discussion followed by another Q&A session with the audience.