Safeguarding Election Integrity Amid Digital Challenges: Insights from IGF 2024
At IGF 2024, experts addressed the growing risks to election integrity stemming from misinformation and technology such as AI and deepfakes. They discussed the urgency for collaborative solutions, especially in light of a record number of elections this year. The need for tailored approaches to address regional disparities and stronger accountability for tech companies was emphasized, alongside the significance of multistakeholder collaboration in safeguarding democracy.
The panel hosted at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 focused on the challenges posed by misinformation and the impact of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and deepfakes, on election integrity. Experts underscored the urgency of maintaining democratic processes, especially considering the unprecedented number of elections this year. Discussions highlighted the necessity for collaborative solutions to mitigate these risks while safeguarding trust in elections.
In the session titled ‘Internet Governance and Elections: Maximizing the Potential for Trust and Addressing Risks,’ panelists stressed the escalating reality of disinformation. Tawfik Jelassi, representing UNESCO, articulated that disinformation is a significant global risk, stating, “Without facts, there is no trust, and without trust, democracy falters.” He pointed out that misinformation spreads exponentially faster than verified information, thereby heightening distrust in electoral integrity. Other panelists, including William Bird from Media Monitoring Africa and Lithuanian official Lina Viltrakiene, elaborated on how malicious entities exploit digital platforms to mislead voters, exacerbating the issue with deepfakes and organized deceptive behaviors.
Elizabeth Orembo from ICT Africa shed light on the precarious situation in the Global South, where profound digital disparities render these populations more susceptible to misinformation. She argued against the application of broad policies by technology companies without considering regional contexts and called for bespoke approaches to address local infrastructural and cultural needs.
Sezen Yesil from Meta discussed the company’s initiatives to tackle threats to elections, including implementing stricter policies against fake accounts and enhancing transparency regarding political advertising. Despite concerns related to AI-generated disinformation, she remarked that the projected impact of generative AI during the 2024 elections is minimal. Nevertheless, she and other participants pressed for increased accountability for tech companies, advocating for legislative measures such as the EU’s Digital Services Act to combat digital threats effectively.
The importance of collaborative efforts across stakeholder groups emerged as a recurrent theme throughout the session. Rosemary Sinclair of Australia’s AUDA declared that preserving democracy is a collective endeavor requiring participation from governments, civil society, academia, and the technical sector, stating that “the IGF is the ideal space for fostering such cooperation.” There was consensus that the efforts to ensure election integrity must transcend individual election cycles, with sustained initiatives needed from digital platforms, governments, and civil society to foster trust and address inequalities in the digital landscape. The IGF was recognized as a crucial platform for advancing dialogue and developing solutions for governance in the digital age.
The topic of election integrity has become increasingly critical as digital technologies evolve and misinformation proliferates. The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) serves as a global platform for discussions surrounding the convergence of internet governance and democratic processes. With numerous elections scheduled this year, experts emphasize the importance of addressing digital threats, fostering trust, and collaborating across sectors to ensure that democratic systems are resilient against manipulation and disinformation.
The dialogue held at the IGF 2024 underscores the precarious circumstances surrounding election integrity in the face of escalating digital challenges. It is evident that misinformation and the misuse of technology threaten the foundational trust required for democratic processes. The collective action of diverse stakeholders is imperative to mitigate these risks, ensure accountability among tech companies, and promote tailored solutions that consider regional disparities. Continued dialogue and cooperation will be essential to protect and strengthen democracy in the digital realm.
Original Source: dig.watch