Preventing Tech-Fueled Political Violence

The recent report "Preventing Tech-Fueled Political Violence: What Online Platforms Can Do to Ensure They Do Not Contribute to Election-Related Violence" offers critical and timely insights into the urgent need for online digital platforms to adopt stringent measures to prevent their platforms from being used and exploited to incite political violence during elections.

The report highlights the alarming trend of far-right extremist militias organizing on social media platforms like Facebook in anticipation of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Highlighting the importance for platforms to proactively address and mitigate threats to the peaceful conduct of elections and the orderly transfer of power. The recommendations provided by a working group of experts aim to offer practical steps for platforms to enhance their role in safeguarding democratic processes globally.

Key Recommendations

1. Prepare for Threats and Violence

   • Robust Standards: Platforms must develop comprehensive threat assessment and crisis planning standards, involving multidisciplinary expertise and transparent engagement with external stakeholders.

   • Scenario Planning: Engaging in detailed scenario planning and crisis training is essential to prepare for potential violence.

2. Develop and Enforce Policies

   • Content Moderation: Clear and enforceable content moderation policies should be implemented year-round to address election integrity and prevent incitement to violence.

   • Uniform Enforcement: High-value users, including politicians, should not receive special treatment and should be subject to the same rules as all users.

3. Resource Adequately

   • Scaling Up Teams: Platforms should increase resources for teams focused on election integrity, content moderation, and countering violent extremism, ensuring rapid response capabilities.

   • Transparent Investment: Public transparency regarding the level of investment in safety measures is crucial.

4. Transparency on Content Moderation Decisions

   • Clear Communication: Platforms must explain content moderation decisions clearly and promptly, especially during election periods, to maintain public trust.

   • Crisis Communication Strategy: A robust crisis communication strategy should be in place to handle high-stakes situations effectively.

5. Collaborate with Researchers, Civil Society, and Government

   • Data Access: Maximizing data access for independent research during election periods can support timely analysis and mitigation of false claims.

   • Counter False Claims: Platforms should proactively counter misinformation about their collaborations with researchers and civil society groups.

6. Develop Industry Standards

   • Threat Assessment Capabilities: Establishing industry-wide standards for threat assessment and policy enforcement can help protect democratic processes.

   • Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of threats to democratic processes and political violence is necessary beyond just the election periods.

The report's emphasis on the critical role online platforms play in maintaining the integrity of elections and preventing political violence. By adopting these recommendations, platforms can significantly contribute to a safer and more democratic digital landscape.

As we move forward, it is imperative for all stakeholders, including technology companies, researchers, and civil society organizations, to collaborate and ensure that the digital tools we create and use do not undermine the very foundations of democracy.