The internet is the commons of our day. People live, work and play online. How we access the internet — and its quality and speed — is incredibly unequal. Broadband access across the nation is uneven and there’s a significant digital divide that falls along gendered lines. Women — especially women of color — and LGBTQ+ people are more likely to be harassed and bullied online.
Join The 19th for a conversation about what it will take to create a more equitable internet for all, with people who are thinking deeply about how to make it a better and safer place.
Speakers
Schedule
Welcome | 11 a.m. ET
- Emily Ramshaw, Co-founder and CEO, The 19th
Keynote | 11:05 a.m. ET
On digital equity
A proponent of the digital equity act, which became part of the infrastructure package, talks about broadband A major proponent of the Digital Equity Act — which was included in the infrastructure package — talks about broadband investment, and how to bridge the digital divides that impact rural and underserved communities.
- U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Democrat, Minnesota
- Moderator: Amanda Becker, Washington Correspondent, The 19th
One-on-One | 11:35 a.m. ET
Designing accessible tools for those with disabilities
Accessing digital spaces can be as complicated and burdensome as accessing aging physical spaces for people with disabilities. How can the platforms and support technologies work to give everyone equal access?
- Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Chief Accessibility Officer at Microsoft
- Moderator: Sara Luterman, The 19th
Keynote | 12:05 p.m. ET
When the internet is unsafe
Monica Lewinsky called herself “patient zero of having a reputation completely destroyed worldwide because of the internet.” Now, she is focused on educating others, and speaking out about public shaming and cyberbullying.
- Monica Lewinsky, Producer and Activist
- Moderator: Errin Haines, Editor-at-Large, The 19th
Panel | 12:35 p.m. ET
When tech is the problem
Every day people use apps and platforms that are built upon Algorithms and AI created by imperfect people. Time and time again they are proven to be faulty at best and biased at worst. The leading researchers thinking about the internet and its problems have a conversation on how to make it better for everyone.
- Meredith Clark, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Northeastern University
- Sasha Costanza-Chock, Ph.D., Director of Research & Design, Algorithmic Justice League
- Safiya Noble, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Gender Studies and African American Studies at UCLA
- Joy Lisi Rankin, Ph.D. Research Lead on Gender, Race, and Power in AI, The AI Institute
- Moderator: Candice Norwood, Reporter, The 19th
Hands on | 1:10 p.m. ET
How you can protect yourself online
The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) leads a practical session teaching you how to protect yourself online.
- Ela Stapley, Digital Security Adviser, IWMF
- Moderator: Candice Norwood, Reporter, The 19th
One-on-one | 1:40 p.m. ET
- Joanne Lee Molinaro, Writer and Blogger, “Korean Vegan”
- Moderator: Sereena Henderson, Community Manager, The 19th