The acceleration of the global digital transformation is profoundly affecting society, business, and governance – and armed conflicts, notably in relation to the use of social media.

Social media platforms have amplified the speed, scale, and reach of both accurate and false information, magnifying their impact on individuals and communities – this is true everywhere, and the consequences in armed conflict are especially acute, literally a difference between life and death. People may be directed away from help and towards harm; vulnerable communities can be targeted for mob violence; humanitarian organizations can lose trust and access empowers the voice of affected populations while keeping them from harm.

This salon will generate insights and proposed actions about how social media could be designed to better serve the needs of vulnerable people living in armed conflict – ways to empower the voice of affected populations while keeping them from harm.