Lecture on Freedom of Expression and Harmful Content in the Online Space

KAU hosted a guest lecture by Madzher Massanov, National Programme Officer for Communication and Information at the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty. The event was organized with the support of the Astana Diplomatic Club.

Madzher Massanov holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in History from Paris IV Sorbonne University. Since May 2020, he has been working in UNESCO’s Communication and Information Sector.

During the lecture, the speaker explained the difference between freedom of expression and harmful content in the online space. Special attention was given to human rights, media and information literacy, as well as the importance of critical thinking amid the rise of disinformation and hate speech.

Students discussed how digital technologies are transforming the media and information environment, why freedom of expression is not an absolute right, and in which cases online content may pose a threat to society.