What Will AI Mean for Free Expression?

October 3, 2023 4pm – 5:30pm Online CFE event What Will AI Mean for Free Expression? Artificial intelligence technologies are powerful curators of information and arbiters of online content. But …

Special Event — Disinformation, Dictators & Democracy: Maria Ressa & Ronald Deibert

The Toronto International Festival of Authors, in partnership with PEN Canada and CBC Radio’s IDEAS, presents Nobel Peace prize laureate Maria Ressa (author of How to Stand Up to a Dictator, being released November 2022) in conversation with Citizen Lab founder Ronald Deibert on the topic of defending freedom of expression and human rights. Margaret Atwood will provide the introduction to the evening’s subject, one of the most critical challenges of our time: the link between disinformation and the decay of our democracies. Their conversation, moderated by CBC IDEAS’ Nahlah Ayed, will be the second annual PEN Canada Graeme Gibson talk, a series founded in 2021 to honour the legacy of renowned Canadian author and writers’ advocate, Graeme Gibson (1934-2019).

Salman Rushdie at the 2017 PEN Canada Gala

An attack on one writer is an attack on us all

PEN Canada was shocked and horrified by the vicious attack on Salman Rushdie at the Chautauqua Institution in western New York State last Friday. Now, a few days later, we are heartened by the positive news as to his condition – on the mend, says his agent — despite wounds that are life-changing and the prospect of a long road to recovery.

Myanmar: PEN Centres around the world condemn the execution of writer Kyaw Min Yu

PEN Centres around the world are appalled by Monday’s news that writer Kyaw Min Yu (also known as Ko Jimmy) is among four pro-democracy activists who have been executed by the military junta, following a show trial that denied their ability to establish their innocence according to international fair trial norms. According to sources, Kyaw Min Yu’s family have yet to be informed of the specific date that his execution took place.

Afghanistan: The War Against Journalists

CFE Virtual Forum Series: #2 in CFE Series: Threats to Press Freedom Wednesday April 6, 2022 4:00pm to 5:30pm ryerson.zoom.us/j/91941276567 In the world’s longest-lasting war, Afghan journalists faced kidnappings and killings while …