Alan Duke

Editor in Chief & Founder

Lead Stories

GovTech & Public Sector

About Me

I am Alan Duke, cofounder and editor in chief of Lead Stories. We are a global fact-checking organization operating in 21 languages with a focus on false claims and trends on social media platforms. We also develop tools used by journalists around the world, including our patented Trendolizer technology. I started Lead Stories in 2015 after a 26-year career at CNN. My goal was to address challenges arising from social media's increasing domination of the distribution and consumption of information.

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?