Sam Gregory

Human rights technologist. TED: AI and deepfakes speaker. Executive Director WITNESS. Expert: generative AI || human rights video || emerging tech || new forms mis/disinformation. Strategic foresight. PhD Media/Comms.

Sam Gregory is the Executive Director of WITNESS, a prominent global human rights organization that leverages video and technology to advocate for human rights. He has over 25 years of experience at the intersection of technology, media, and human rights, making him a respected leader in this field.

Professional Background

Leadership at WITNESS: Sam has been with WITNESS for more than two decades, previously serving as the Director of Programs, Strategy, and Innovation before stepping into the Executive Director role in February 2023. He leads the organization's five-year strategic plan titled "Fortify the Truth," which addresses challenges posed by misinformation and emerging technologies like deepfakes.1 2 3
Expertise in Technology and Human Rights: Gregory is recognized for his work on smartphone witnessing, citizen journalism, and the ethical implications of AI and synthetic media. He initiated the "Prepare, Don't Panic" initiative in 2018 to tackle the threats posed by deepfakes and generative AI.2 4 6

Contributions and Achievements

Global Impact: Under his leadership, WITNESS has supported human rights initiatives in over 100 countries, focusing on issues such as land rights and state violence. Sam has also been instrumental in developing tools like ObscuraCam and ProofMode to enhance media authenticity.2 4
Public Engagement: Sam has testified before both houses of the U.S. Congress on topics related to AI and misinformation. He is a frequent speaker at major conferences, including TED Talks, and has been featured in various prestigious publications such as The New York Times and WIRED.3 5 6

Education

Sam holds an MA in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School and a BA from the University of Oxford. He is fluent in Spanish and has contributed significantly to academic discourse through various publications.4 5

Advocacy

Gregory is dedicated to ensuring that marginalized voices are central in discussions about technology's role in society. His work emphasizes the need for ethical standards in media practices and supports activists globally in navigating the complexities of modern digital landscapes.1 2

In summary, Sam Gregory's extensive experience and commitment to human rights advocacy through technology position him as a leading figure in addressing contemporary challenges related to media integrity and civic participation.