A group of philanthropies working with Facebook Inc (FB.O) to study the social network’s impact on democracy threatened on Tuesday to quit.
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.
“Social media reconsiders its relationship with the truth”
For years, Facebook and other social media companies have erred lenience in policing their sites allowing most posts with false information to stay up.
Claims of disinformation in Hong Kong by Facebook and Twitter
Facebook, Twitter have made claims of disinformation in Hong Kong by China, taking down accounts purportedly used by its regime to spread disinformation.
Trump resurfaces old gripe from 2016 over voter ID laws but its unsubstantiated
Trump’s voter ID gripe from 2016 was that voter fraud cost him support. He has resurfaced it as he ramps up his reelection for 2020, but its unfounded.
Podcast: How Conspiracies Are Damaging Democracy
Democracy scholars Russell Muirhead and Nancy Rosenblum call it “conspiracy without the theory” and unpack the concept in their book A Lot of People Are Saying: The New Conspiracism and the Assault on Democracy.
Nigeria’s Wavering Commitment to Freedom of Expression
The authorities have struggled to maintain a balance between regulating against extreme views and hate speech and preserving the right to 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.