The authorities have struggled to maintain a balance between regulating against extreme views and hate speech and preserving the right to free speech.
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.
Maryland Political Ad Law Violates First Amendment, Coalition Argues
Some media organs are supporting arguments that a Maryland law regulating online political advertising violates the First Amendment.
America’s Scam PAC Problem Requires Immediate Legislative Action
The problem is pervasive. The FEC had to issue a memo on the problem, and the Brennan Center’s article begins with an alarming warning: “beware.”
What Has The Bigger Impact – Elections Or Protests?
Recent events, from Sudan and Algeria to Hong Kong, are the latest indication that political protests have increased in both frequency and size.
Mauritanian President Should Free Citizen Jailed for Online Article
Mauritania’s president should ensure the release of Cheikh Ould Mkhaitir, who remains in detention since a court ordered his release in November 2017.
Crackdown on Presidential Election Protests in Kazakhstan
Today neither social nor mainstream media in Kazakhstan were reporting on orderly presidential elections rather reporting about protests during the election.
Podcast: Will Artificial Intelligence Destroy Democracy?
Some political scientists and democracy scholars think that it might. Inequality will rise as jobs continue to be automated, which will cause distrust in the government and create fertile ground for authoritarianism.
Detained Iranian Social Media Activist Dies in Prison in Brutal Killing
A lawyer for a detained Iranian activist says he has died in a notorious prison in what one rights group described as a brutal killing by fellow inmates.
The Massive Regulatory Overhaul We Need To Protect Election Integrity
Former Facebook chief security officer Alex and his colleagues have unveiled a sweeping new plan to secure U.S. electoral infrastructure.
How Politics Pushes Cambodian Musicians Into Self-Censorship
Case illustrates a trend where the government’s attempts to intimidate and criminally charge Cambodians for expressing dissent has increased significantly.