The Centre for Digital Trust and Society Forum 2026 brings together leading voices from academia, government and civil society for a full day of discussion on misinformation, disinformation and online social influence.
Now in its fourth year, the Forum explores the evolving challenges shaping digital trust and security, with a focus on how individuals, institutions and technologies interact within today’s complex information environment. Hosted by the Centre for Digital Trust and Society at the University of Manchester, the event convenes national and international partners to reflect on emerging risks, share research insights and co-create more inclusive approaches to digital safety and resilience.
The programme includes keynote talks from Jonathan Hall KC, Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, and Dr Emma L. Briant (University of Notre Dame), alongside thematic panels exploring international hostile state actors and home-grown online influence. Lightning talks from PhD researchers and early career scholars will also showcase emerging work across digital trust and security.
Across the day, discussions will examine the sociotechnical forces shaping information integrity, the role of influence operations and propaganda, and the policy and technical responses needed to strengthen trust in digital systems.
This event is intended for researchers, policymakers, industry practitioners and civil society organisations, as well as anyone interested in digital trust, online safety and information integrity.
