News
News

Why SXSW has an online harassment summit

In response to backlash from canceling several online harassment panels, SXSW planned daylong event
Texas gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis talks to reporters after giving a pep talk to campaign volunteers at the north Austin home of Jim Bryce on the eve of the election on Monday November 3, 2014. JAY JANNER / AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Credit: Jay Janner

Credit: Jay Janner

Texas gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis talks to reporters after giving a pep talk to campaign volunteers at the north Austin home of Jim Bryce on the eve of the election on Monday November 3, 2014. JAY JANNER / AMERICAN-STATESMAN
By Omar L. Gallaga
Updated March 6, 2016

Last October, SXSW Interactive faced a major crisis, receiving criticism from techies and media outlets for canceling two panels related to the topic of gaming and online harassment.

The move caused several media companies including BuzzFeed and Vox Media to threaten a boycott of the festival. SXSW later announced an all-day Online Harassment Summit to take place Saturday, March 12 at the Hyatt Regency.

The 15 sessions feature speakers including Anti-Defamation League national director Jonathan Greenblatt, Google senior counsel Juniper Downs, Massachusetts U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark and former Texas gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis.

About the Author

Omar L. Gallaga
More Stories

Keep Reading

One reader is asking the AJC to help her find cottage cheese made by Mayfield. (Ihar Balaikin/Dreamstime/TNS)

Credit: TNS

Where can I find it?

AJC readers are looking for help finding actual toothpaste (not gel) and Mayfield cottage cheese.

Robert Banks, longtime film, TV actor, dies

Robert Banks, longtime film, TV actor dies

Teamsters trash collectors in Alpharetta area end months-long strike

A labor contract struck in Georgia is the final deal to end strikes by local Teamsters unions that started in July at several Republic Services locations across the country.

The Latest

ALS is a terminal diagnosis, and Hopkins' energy, drive and hope have astounded his friends.

Credit: Robb Cohen/AJC

Sweet Tea: How andouille do?

High school scoreboard: Friday night’s football action around the state

Where can I find it?

Featured

Thousands of "No Kings" protesters marched down Courtland Street from the Atlanta Civic Center to Liberty Plaza on Saturday. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: Abbey Cutrer

‘No Kings’ protest in Atlanta concludes after march to Capitol

As the march took off toward Liberty Plaza around 1 p.m., officers on motorcycles began blocking traffic along Ralph McGill Boulevard and Courtland Street.

OPINION

Herschel Walker and Bill White bid Buckhead goodbye

The battle for Buckhead came full circle as Democrats said goodbye to President Trump’s newest ambassadors.

Delta fans line up to buy vintage airline merch at this monthly event

Delta is the only airline to hold a regular sale like this. People travel from all over to attend the "Surplus Sale" every month.