Speaker

An authority on extremist groups across the political spectrum - informed by her own undercover investigations - Dr Julia Ebner is well placed to discuss the rise of the political fringe and their infiltration of the mainstream.

Mediated by the latest technology such as generative AI, the growing influence of radicalised individuals coincides with dwindling trust in the cornerstones of civil society - science, the media and even democracy. What does it mean to live in these febrile times? How can organisations and individuals alike become attuned to and guard against the tide of systemic disinformation?

Book Julia

SHOW REEL

Speaking topics

The Trust Gap: Restoring Trust in an Age of Misinformation

Trust in science, the media and democracy have been dwindling in recent years. But in this new era of misinformation and distrust, the private sector has been a rare source of hope: according to the Edelman Trust Barometer, private sector firms and employers enjoy the highest trust levels in society. Julia addresses questions such as: What drives the enemies of science and democracy? Why are we more susceptible to conspiracy myths and disinformation in a world of growing uncertainty? And what can companies and institutions do to reverse this trend and restore trust?

Making Sense of the Insentient: Artificial Intelligence, Targeted Disinformation Campaigns and Conspiracy Myths in the Modern Age

The risk of systematic disinformation campaigns that can lead to delegitimisation, hate and agitation has been further aggravated by the next generation of technologies. From Large Language Models (LLMs) and deep fakes to Decentralized Autonomous Organisations in the Metaverse, what risk do new technologies pose to organisations from a reputational perspective as well as a security perspective, and what can they do to prevent campaigns directed at their brand, employees or activities?

Going Dark: Understanding Extremists

By day, Julia Ebner worked at a counter-extremism think tank, monitoring radical groups from the outside. However, in her spare hours – late nights, holidays, weekends – she adopted five different identities, and joined a dozen extremist groups from across the ideological spectrum. Based on her undercover investigations, Julia gives insights into how extremists across the world have skillfully expanded their reach by using cutting-edge technologies, attracted the youngest generations by gamifying their communication, and impacted politics by entering surprising coalitions.

Going Mainstream: Managing Societal Polarization

Incels. Anti Vaxxers. Conspiracy theorists. Neo-Nazis. Once, these groups all belonged on the fringes of the political spectrum. Today, accelerated by a pandemic, global conflict and rapid technological change, their ideas are becoming more widespread. Based on Julia’s undercover investigations for her latest book Going Mainstream, she explores: why outlandish ideas have taken hold and conspiracy myths are spreading faster than ever and, how, united by a shared sense of grievance and skepticism about institutions, radicalised individuals are influencing the mainstream as never before.

Speaker enquiries

Please contact Michael Levey for more information or to book Julia for a speaking engagement

Speaking Agent

Michael Levey
The Speaking Office
michael@speakingoffice.com
+44 7970 170 848

HIGHLIGHTS

Past clients

Testimonials

  • Julia manages to combine genuine erudition with a compelling speaking style. Her talk was one of the most memorable at the conference - and, from audience feedback, a popular favourite!

    TEDx Oxford

  • It is exceedingly rare that the major technology companies, including Google and YouTube, listen to outsiders, let alone have their policies influenced by outside experts. Julia is that rare exception; she is such an exceptional researcher and communicator that she has been invited, repeatedly, to advise the senior most decision makers at these influential companies.

    Google

  • Julia is a leading voice in her field. She manages to captivate her audiences by breaking down complex issues and bringing her research to life with anecdotes.

    Europol

  • Julia is an excellent speaker in high demand and one of the top experts on extremism, hate speech and conspiracy myths. She has held talks for Meta in German, English and French.

    Meta

  • Julia's briefing to UN CTED gave us unrivalled and unique insights into the activities and internal machinations of the far-right. She is an engaging and knowledgeable speaker, and was able to distill complex ideas for an audience with variable knowledge of the subjects under discussion.

    United Nations