Press freedom has long been an elusive aspiration in China, and the outlook has become increasingly dire under the tight rule of Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
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.
New Group Launches to Harness Political Power of Women
Activists are launching an organization that aims to harness political power of women to influence elections and shape local and national policy priorities.
Even in Sri Lanka, Social Media Blackouts Are Authoritarian
In the wake of the terrible Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka, that government shut down access to Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and other social media.
US Social Media Firms Scramble to Fight Fake News
As Notre Dame Cathedral burned, posting on Facebook circulated – a grainy video of what appeared to be man in traditional Muslim garb up in cathedral.
EU Wary of Fake Online Accounts as Europe Elections Approach
EU is praising Facebook, Google and Twitter for tackling disinformation while urging the social media giants to do more in clamping down on fake accounts.
Potential Russian Meddling in 2020 Election Sensitive Issue for Trump
Special Counsel Mueller concludes that Russia engaged in “sweeping and systematic” interference in 2016 U.S. election to help Donald Trump become president.
Sudan’s Social Media Deemed Major Player in Bashir’s Ouster
Bashir’s Social media restrictions did not stop millions of Sudanese who found ways to circumvent the restrictions and rally others to protest peacefully.
Social Media Artificially Exaggerating Political Polarization On Twitter
With the growing popularity of social media, Twitter has become a prominent place to voice opinions on both ends of the political spectrum.
‘A Monopoly on Information’: Russia Closes Grip on Internet
Russian lawmakers approved Thursday a bill that expands government control over internet and whose opponents fear heralds new era of widespread censorship.
Facebook CEO Confident of Stopping Interference in 2020 Campaign
Facebook Chief Executive Officer is confident the social network will do better 2020 at stopping “bad actors” from manipulating U.S. presidential election.