Craig Silverman

Co-founder

ProPublica

Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity

Entertainment, Media & Creators Economy

About Me

Craig Silverman is an award-winning journalist and author and one of the world's leading experts on online disinformation, fake news, and digital investigations. He is the cofounder of Indicator, a newsletter and website dedicated to exposing digital deception and to equipping professionals with knowledge and skills to help them investigate it. Prior to Indicator, he was a national reporter for ProPublica covering voting, platforms, disinformation, and online manipulation. Craig previously served as media editor of BuzzFeed News, where he pioneered coverage of digital disinformation and media manipulation.

Hear My Insights

Viral Voices, Virtual Walls: What is Social Media’s Role in Shaping Democracy?

Social media has irrevocably altered the landscape of political engagement, transforming how we organize, protest, and participate in democracy. From the #ArabSpring to #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo, digital platforms have become vital tools for mobilizing global movements. Yet, this power comes with a double-edged sword: the same platforms that amplify grassroots voices can also be used for manipulation, censorship, and the rapid spread of misinformation. As governments and tech platforms grapple with the complex challenges of regulation and digital rights, the future of online political engagement hangs in the balance. How do we navigate the algorithmic influence that shapes our discourse? Can we safeguard against political polarization and the erosion of truth? And what ethical frameworks are necessary to ensure social media remains a force for democratic empowerment, rather than a tool for its subversion?