Digital platforms’ concentrated financial and political control is like a stacked weapon sitting on a table, open indeed to ill-intentioned people.
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.
Election Grants Face Conservative Interference
Conservative public interest law firm sued three swing states to block officials from using elections grants, stating they do not want progressives to win.
Facebook launches poll worker recruitment push in the News Feed
There is a shortage of poll workers ahead of the November 2020 elections. Facebook has launched a poll worker recruitment push in the News Feed.
Election officials prepare for new Russian interference battle
Russia interfered in the 2016 elections and there have been concerns it might do so again. Election officials are preparing for new Russian interference battle.
Disinformation is biggest threat to election security, experts tell Congress
Key experts have schooled he US Congress on where to expect the biggest threat to election this year. They pointed out disinformation in particular.
Turkey: Social Media Law Will Increase Censorship
The Turkish government is pushing a bill that will allow it control of social media. HRW published an article which urged parliament and social media firms to oppose it.
“Outright Lies”: Voting Misinformation Flourishes on Facebook
Trump’s campaign is accusing Facebook’s voter registration drive of an attempt to swing the vote in favour of Democratic candidate Joe Biden.
Facebook’s voter drive inspires new claims of bias from Trump campaign
Facebook has launched a voter drive ahead of the 2020 polls targeting 4 million voter registrations. It inspired new claims of bias by the Trump campaign.
Election Meddling Drives DHS to Seek Help Tracking Social Media
The Homeland Security Department has appealed for expertise to help track and analyse social media disinformation by Russia, China, Iran, North Korea.
Social media platforms gird for 78 days of disinformation chaos after Election Day
It would be crucial for the November 2020 election results to be known on election day to avoid a storm of social media speculations.