A conversation with DAVID SLOSS, John A. and Elizabeth H. Sutro Professor of Law, Santa Clara Univ.
Hosted by PAUL GEORGE, Exec. Dir. (Ret.), Peninsula Peace and Justice Center
Recorded on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. Produced by Peninsula Peace and Justice Center, Palo Alto, CA
Why do more than 60 million Americans believe claims that are at best unsubstantiated, and at worst demonstrably false? How do we rein in the Big Lie (and other disinformation) without damaging free speech protections? A renowned scholar has an idea.
Professor Sloss has written a proposed federal statute that is designed to reduce the electronic amplification of lies and misinformation. The First Amendment imposes significant constraints, but Congress can enact legislation that is constitutionally valid and that could significantly reduce the harm caused by electronic amplification of misinformation related to elections and public health.
David Sloss is an internationally renowned scholar who has published three books and a few dozen book chapters and law review articles. His scholarship focuses on the relationship between domestic law and international affairs. His work in this area is informed by a decade of experience in the federal government, where he helped draft and negotiate several major international treaties. Professor Sloss is currently writing a book on information warfare and social media.
Some background links, provided by Prof. Sloss:
The International Fact-Checking Network https://www.poynter.org/ifcn/
The book “Network Propaganda” https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/28351
The web site for my legislative initiative https://coalitionfornationalfactchecking.org/#overview
(Please note that I am in the process of updating this web site, but the updating should be done by Thursday evening.)
My blog post on “Riot in the Capitol,” https://www.scu.edu/ethics-spotlight/violence-at-the-capitol/riot-in-the-capitol-blame-the-supreme-court/
