The 3 rd Annual Brandeis Institute Conference
Social Media, Democracy and National Security
Thursday, June 26, 2025, 08:30
College of Management, Rishon Lezion
(Signs across campus will direct you to the venue)
The conference will be held in Hebrew and English - simultaneous translation will be available.
Conference Program
(Schedule still subject to changes)
Dr. Ido Baum, Academic Director, Brandeis Institute
In recent years, social networks have posed an unprecedented and complex challenge
to national security, democracy and social cohesion, as well as legal systems
attempting to regulate them. These platforms amplify foreign influence, ignite social tensions, and serve as powerful tools for spreading disinformation – placing them at the heart of a geopolitical struggle. This session will examine global threats to national security and democracy, the prospects for legislation and regulation of tech giants, and learning from countries facing challenges similar to those of Israel, such as Taiwan.
In conversation with: Dr. Ido Baum, Academic Director, Brandeis Institute
• Adv. Amit Ashkenazi, Former Legal Advisor of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, Research Fellow at the Shamgar Center
• David Siman-Tov, Senior Researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), Head of Foreign Influence Program
• Dr. Gitit Braun, Head of Research Department, FakeReporter
In conversation with: Guy Rolnik, Founder of TheMarker, University of Chicago
A new market has emerged in recent years, offering technological solutions to the
challenges of disinformation and cognitive manipulation in the digital sphere. This
session will explore the development of innovative technological solutions and startup companies based on algorithmics, artificial intelligence, and human analysis, aimed at addressing these challenges in the business world, national security, and the prevention of polarization and incitement.
A new Brandeis Institute study in collaboration with Remedy CoLab – presented here for the first time – defines the emerging “Trust Tech” sector within the high-tech industry,
identifying key trends, opportunities, and challenges.
In a panel with leading innovators from industry and civil society, we will explore the range of emerging solutions – what they can achieve and how. We will examine whether
a market of companies, investors, and customers is already taking shape, identify key opportunities, challenges, and obstacles, and consider what is needed to cultivate a thriving ecosystem.
• Dr. Ido Baum, Academic Director, Brandeis Institute
• Tal-Or Cohen Montimayor, CEO, CyberWell
• Rachel Levy, VP of Political Risk, ActiveFence
• Hod Fleishman, Co-Founder, Remedy CoLab; Research Fellow, Brandeis Institute
• Daniel Ravner, CEO, Brinker.ai
Moderator: Inbal Orpaz, Strategic Innovation Consultant and Researcher
• Callum Hood, Head of Research, Center for Countering Digital Hate (UK)
In conversation with: Guy Rolnik, Founder of TheMarker, University of Chicago
Social media platforms are a central part of childrens and teens lives. But alongside
their benefits, these platforms expose young users to serious risks, such as: bullying,
psychological harm, content addiction, exploitation, and inappropriate content. There is growing recognition that platform self-regulation mechanisms are insufficient.
This panel will explore the legal and ethical challenges of regulating social network
activity, strategies to create a safer environment for children and teens, and how
effective legislation can help prevent, or at the very least reduce, the various harms
associated with the growing use of social media among youth.
• Dr. Nava Cohen-Avigdor, Head of the Civil Division, National Headquarters for the Protection of Children Online – 105, Ministry of National Security
Moderator: Adv. Yehudit Pintov, Research Fellow, Brandeis Institute
• Social Worker & Adv. Tzlil Levi, Head of Online Safety and Digital Harm Prevention at the National Council for the Child