Tech has become instrumental in pushing political propaganda and also in exposing the atrocities and schemes of elected officials and political aspirants.
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.
Facebook Says it Took Down Vast Iran-Led Manipulation Campaign
Facebook takes down hundreds of “inauthentic” accounts from Iran that were part of a vast manipulation campaign operating in more than 20 countries.
Some Journalists Wonder If Their Profession Is Tweet-Crazy
If Twitter is the town square for journalists, some are ready to step away. Reporters have been are told to take a week off from tweeting at work.
Facebook Plans Content Oversight Board
Facebook on Monday laid out plans for an independent content oversight board with the power to overturn company decisions on user posts.
Facebook Slammed for Blocking Watchdog Ad Transparency Tools
A number of organizations, including ProPublica, have developed tools to let the public see exactly how Facebook users are being targeted by advertisers.
Trump Tweets Misleading Claim About ‘Rampant’ Texas Voter Fraud
President Trump returned to favorite, often-debunked assertion on Sunday when he claimed there was “rampant” voter fraud in Texas and “all over country.”
Few Responsible for Most Twitter Fake News, Study Finds
A tiny fraction of Twitter users spread the vast majority of fake news in 2016, with conservatives and older people sharing misinformation more.
Facebook Backs German Election Integrity Initiatives
Facebook has launched German initiatives to defend election integrity and examine the ethics of artificial intelligence its operations chief said on Sunday.
Facebook Shuts Hundreds of Russia-Linked Pages and Accounts
Facebook shuts hundreds of Russia-linked pages, and accounts that it says were part of two big disinformation operations, in its effort to fight fake news.
Facebook to Invest $300 Million in Local News Social Media Initiative
Facebook says it is investing $300 million over the next three years in local news programs, partnerships and other initiatives.