The event will take place in Brussels at Residence Palace the 13th of March from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm.

This one-day event will bring together top experts, policymakers, civil society organizations, and technology professionals to explore how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to combat hate speech and misinformation online. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, the initial findings of the HATEDEMICS project—a bold initiative developing cutting-edge tools to detect, analyze, and counter harmful narratives—will be showcased, all while fostering ethical and inclusive digital environments.

The conference will feature renowned speakers from European institutions, academia, and the tech industry, sharing their insights on AI-driven solutions, legal and ethical considerations, and the future of digital fact-checking. It also offers a unique opportunity to network with key stakeholders and help shape strategies for creating a safer, more responsible online space.

Registration 

9.00 - 9.30 Registration and Welcoming of the Participants

9.30 - 10.00 Opening Session

Sara Afendi, Project Manager, ALDA

Marco Guerini, Project Coordinator, Fondazione Bruno Kessler

Cristina Marcuzzo, Project Officer, European Commission

10.00-10.20 Keynote Speech

Ron Salaj, Director of Research & Strategy, Impactskills

10.20-11.20 Tools and Methods for the Effective Use of AI

The Platform: An Innovative Tool to Tackle Hate Speech and Misinformation

Helena Bonaldi, Researche at Fondazione Bruno Kessler

Co-Creating a Platform for Training Against Hate Speech and Disinformation

David Fernandez, CTO, Maldita

Methodological Approach: Engaging stakeholders and target groups in the daily use of the advanced Hatedemics Platform

Lucía García del Moral, Project Manager, FUNDEA

Tristan Pertíñez, Managing Director of CENTRA

Chair: Marco Guerini, Project Coordinator, Fondazione Bruno Kessler

11.40 -13.00 1st Panel Discussion “The Use of AI in Combating Hate Speech and Disinformation”

Hana Kojakovic, Project Manager GTTO, Media Diversity Institute

Lydia El Khouri, Programme Manager, Textgain -AI for Good

Marco Guerini, Project Coordinator, FBK

Maryna Manchenko, Project Manager, CESIE

Moderator: Marco Guerini, FBK

Q&A / Debate

13.00 -14.00 Lunch Break

14.00 -14.45 2nd Panel Discussion “Legal and Ethical framework of AI’ use”

Andrew Staniforth, Director of SAHER

Ron Salaj, Director of Research & Strategy, Impactskills

Stella Meyer, Senior Associate at H/Advisors Brussels

Moderator: Andrew Staniforth, SAHER

14.45 - 15.45 3rd Panel Discussion “The future of Fact Checking on Social Media”

Simone Fontana, Editorial coordinator of Facta

David Fernandez, CTO, Maldita

Kinga Klich, Head of Disinformation Counteraction Department, DEMAGOG

Presentation of the Case Study in Fact Checking,

Gemma Cortada, Diputaciò Barcelona

Moderator: Sara Afendi, Project Manager, ALDA

Q&A

15.45 - 16.00 Conclusion

16.00 -16.30 Networking Cafè

The HATEDEMICS project aims to empower NGOs, CSOs, media professionals, public authorities, and young activists to effectively counter hate speech and disinformation online. By focusing on the intersection of these two phenomena, the project addresses under-studied but highly impactful forms of online harm that disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. Through the development of AI-based technologies and advanced data collection methods, HATEDEMICS will provide target groups with tools to monitor, detect, and combat the spread of racist, xenophobic, and intolerant speech, as well as conspiracy theories. These tools will support timely interventions, enhance capacity to prevent polarization, and promote fairness, ethical standards, and balanced responses. Ultimately, HATEDEMICS aims to strengthen the efforts of both professionals and volunteers, fostering a safer and more inclusive online environment.

Hatedemics website