Who decides what you can see, share, and say online? In proposing to ban TikTok, the U.S. government claims it’s protecting national security. Tech companies say their algorithms help connect users to relevant content. But in a world of rising geopolitical tensions and powerful AI tools, who should be in control—and what’s at stake for you?

If these questions sound interesting to you, join Professor David Primo for a panel discussion titled “Speech Wars: Who Controls Ideas in a Fractured World?” on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 7:30 – 9:00 PM in Wegmans Hall 1400.

The panelists have wide-ranging backgrounds. Katie Harbath of Anchor Change served as Facebook’s former public policy director for global elections, playing a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s approach to political discourse worldwide. Jennifer Huddleston, a tech policy expert at the Cato Institute, has warned that excessive AI regulation could harm free speech rights. Michael Sobolik of the Hudson Institute has been a vocal advocate for banning TikTok over concerns about the Chinese government’s influence over that platform. They’re all coming to Rochester to talk with you.

This event is sponsored by the Politics and Markets Project. Follow the Politics and Markets Project on Instagram @pmprochester.