Tech companies are facing criticism from over 160 rights groups across 55 countries for failing to adequately protect people and democratic processes from online disinformation and hate speech during the current election year. Despite engagement from these groups, tech platforms have not implemented sufficient measures to combat harmful content that can undermine democratic integrity. The Global Coalition for Tech Justice, a consortium of civil society groups, activists, and experts, has called on leading tech companies like Meta, Google, TikTok, and X to establish transparent, country-specific plans for the upcoming election year to safeguard voters and democratic processes.
The coalition’s efforts to engage with tech companies have largely been ignored, with many firms failing to provide detailed country-specific plans for addressing disinformation and hate speech during the current election year. Mona Shtaya, the campaigns and partnerships manager at Digital Action, notes that while some companies have released press releases on their approach to the election year, these statements often lack specific details such as the number of content moderators per country, language, and dialect. Some companies also appear to be disproportionately focused on the U.S. elections, neglecting the needs of voters in other countries where elections are taking place.
Tech platforms have been accused of reducing their investments in platform safety and restricting data access, while continuing to profit from hate-filled ads and disinformation. The lack of adequate measures to combat harmful content has raised concerns about the impact of online disinformation on democratic processes and the potential for misinformation to influence election outcomes. The coalition’s joint letter emphasizes the urgent need for tech companies to take greater responsibility for safeguarding people and elections from tech harms that can have far-reaching consequences.
The coalition’s call for greater transparency and accountability from tech companies highlights the need for a more proactive approach to combating online disinformation and hate speech. As more than half of the world’s population prepares to participate in elections across 65 countries, the stakes are high for ensuring the integrity of democratic processes and protecting voters from harmful content. By failing to prioritize the safety and security of users during the current election year, tech companies risk further eroding trust in their platforms and contributing to the spread of misinformation that can have serious consequences for democracy.
In the face of mounting pressure from rights groups and civil society organizations, tech companies must take immediate action to address the spread of online disinformation and hate speech during the current election year. By implementing transparent, country-specific plans that prioritize the safety and security of users, tech platforms can demonstrate their commitment to upholding democratic values and protecting people from harmful content. The coalition’s joint letter serves as a reminder of the urgent need for tech companies to fulfill their responsibilities in safeguarding people and elections from tech harms that threaten the integrity of democratic processes worldwide.
