Fears a radical group might use social media to perpetrate violent protests prompted the shutdown of social media platforms.
Social Media and Democracy articles on Democracy Chronicles
This Social Media and Democracy section highlights the ongoing saga of how this new type of communications technology impacts the progress of free and fair elections across the globe. Whether social media brings benefit or harm to democracy is an area of heavy debate. Be sure to also check out our Election Technology section and our articles on Technology Dissidents, the Internet and Voting or Journalism and Free Speech.
‘Milk Tea Alliance’ Brews Democracy Online Across Asia
From Myanmar to Hong Kong, youth seeking democracy are organizing themselves online around milk tea, a traditional regional beverage.
Dictatorships Play Whack-A-Mole With African Digital Rights
African dictatorships are playing whack-a-mole with African digital rights, inventing restrictive policies to suppress freedom of speech.
Bangladeshi Children Arrested for Political Facebook Posts
Bangladesh authorities have arrested hundreds, including children, for using social media to express displeasure with government.
Would Canadian Citizenship Free Saudi Blogger Raif Badawi?
If dissident Saudi blogger Raif Badawi is granted Canadian citizenship it would offer him new legal rights in his home country.
Big Tech Lobbying and Campaign Spending Soars
Big Tech has surpassed Big Oil, Big Tobacco, with Amazon and Facebook spending almost twice as much as Exxon, Philip Morris in 2020.
Can #FreeHaiti Movement Bring Democracy To Struggling People?
Plagued by government mistrust, corruption, foul play, the hashtag #freeHaiti has permeated social. But can it bring democracy to Haiti?
Facebook Didn’t Stop 10 Billion Views of Election Disinformation
If Facebook had taken steps earlier last year, it might have avoided 10 billion views of deceptive election-related material in the U.S.
Congo-Brazzaville Turns Off Internet Ahead of Presidential Elections
After internet and social media access in the Republic of Congo was cut, voting resumed on presidential election day on Sunday.
Senegal Youth Using Digital Tools To Safeguard Democracy
The internet shutdown in Senegal aims to quell anti-regime protests but Senegalese youth are using digital tools to fight back.