Free Speech in the Age of AI Symposium In-Person

Explore how AI is reshaping free speech, government accountability, surveillance, and constitutional rights in the digital age. Artificial intelligence is transforming how governments communicate, regulate, and make decisions. As AI increasingly influences public discourse, content moderation, surveillance, and access to information, fundamental questions about free speech, transparency, accountability, and constitutional rights have become more urgent than ever. Join the Florida State University College of Law and the First Amendment Foundation for Free Speech in the Age of AI, an interdisciplinary symposium bringing together leading scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and technology experts to examine the intersection of artificial intelligence and the First Amendment. Through three expert panels, participants will explore how AI is reshaping government decision-making, surveillance, public records, and legal accountability while considering the constitutional and policy challenges that lie ahead. Whether you are an attorney, judge, government official, journalist, educator, technology professional, student, or simply interested in the future of AI and constitutional law, this symposium offers a timely opportunity to engage with nationally recognized experts on one of today's most significant legal issues. Symposium Topics Panel 1: Algorithms in the Halls of Power: When Government "Speaks" Through Machines • Government use of AI in decision-making and enforcement • Due process and viewpoint discrimination • Transparency and public records • AI, elections, emergencies, and content moderation Moderator: FSU Law Professor Alex Tsesis Panelists: Constitutional law scholars: UF Law Professor Jane Bambauer, UF Law Professor Lyrissa Lidsky and FSU Law Professor Michael Morley Panel 2: Watching the Watchers: AI Surveillance, Protest, and the Right to Be Unseen • Facial recognition and AI-powered surveillance • Anonymous speech and peaceful protest • Privacy, public safety, and constitutional protections Moderator: FSU Law Professor Jacob Eisler Panelists: Constitutional law, law enforcement and technology law experts: FSU Law Professor Nadia Banteka, Hofstra Law Professor Yunsieg Kim, and Lauren Harper, Daniel Ellsberg Chair on Government Secrecy at Freedom of the Press Foundation Panel 3: "Who Do I Sue?" Litigation, Liability, and Real-World Accountability • Government and vendor liability for AI systems • Public records compliance • Constitutional claims and available remedies • Accountability when AI influences public decisions Moderator: FSU Law Professor Lauren Scholz Panelists: Constitutional law, Florida (Sunshine) and privacy law experts: Saint Louis University Law Professor Yvette Liebesman, Georgia Tech School of Cybersecurity and Privacy Chair/Professor Peter Swire, and Michael Barfield, Executive Director, Florida Center for Government Accountability Continuing Legal Education (CLE) This program has been approved for: • 4.0 General CLE Credits • 1.5 Ethics Credits • 4.0 Technology Credits Event Details Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026 Location: Florida State University College of Law Auditorium (Room 101) Registration Opens: 1:00 p.m. The symposium begins promptly at 1:30 p.m. and concludes at approximately 5:15 p.m. Light refreshments will be available during registration and scheduled breaks. Parking Parking is available across the street at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Please allow a few minutes to walk from the parking area to the College of Law. Registration Information In-person attendance is free, but advance registration is requested as seating may be limited. A virtual livestream option will also be available through separate registration for those unable to attend in person. Photography & Recording This symposium will be professionally photographed and recorded for educational and promotional purposes. By attending, participants acknowledge that photographs and video recordings may be used by the Florida State University College of Law in future publications, websites, and related communications. We look forward to welcoming you to an engaging afternoon of discussion examining the future of free speech, artificial intelligence, and constitutional governance.