This is the first oral evidence session of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy's new Defending Democracy inquiry. The first panel consists of an academic witness and a member of Meta’s Oversight Board. It will look at the evolving risks to democracies including from foreign interference and how these risks can be addressed. The second panel consists of an expert on emerging technologies, a journalist, and a representative from Ofcom. This will consider the role of emerging technologies and what role the media and regulators play in countering challenges such as disinformation. The third panel is with two representatives from the Electoral Commission. It will focus on risks to the election process and the Commission’s work to ensure the UK’s electoral integrity. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Witness(es): Professor Rory Cormac, Pamela San Martin 00:51:33 - Witness(es): Dr Mhairi Aitkin, Martin Wolf, Jessica Zucker 01:53:39 - Witness(es): Louise Edwards, Vijay Rangarajan