Dr. Shannon McGregor, an associate professor at UNC, and Dr. Jonathan Corpus Ong, a global digital media expert, delve into the complex role of technology in elections. They discuss how civil society can combat misinformation and highlight accountability issues across various nations. The conversation also touches on the dual nature of social media, the impact of generative AI on electoral processes, and the importance of equitable access to resources. Additionally, they explore public trust in technology and the implications of disinformation tactics targeting public health.
Social media platforms can exacerbate issues like extremism and misinformation while also empowering progressive movements and social change.
The concept of tech justice must prioritize the Global Majority's perspectives to address unique challenges in technology and accountability.
Effective regulations and civil society's active engagement are crucial for ensuring platform accountability, especially during election cycles.
Deep dives
The Dual Nature of Social Media Platforms
The discussion emphasizes that social media platforms have a dual impact on society; they contribute to both the exacerbation of issues like extremism and hate, as well as facilitating progressive movements and social change. Shannon McGregor notes the importance of recognizing that while criticism of these platforms is valid, it's crucial not to overlook their role in enabling positive societal change. This complexity reflects a broader understanding that technology can be both beneficial and harmful. By framing social media as a tool for liberation rather than solely as a source of misinformation, the conversation encourages a more nuanced view of its implications in political contexts.
Global Perspectives on Tech Justice
Jonathan Korpisong raises the critical question of what tech justice looks like from the perspective of the Global Majority, highlighting the unique challenges faced by countries outside the global north. He advocates for centering the voices and priorities of these regions in discussions about technology and accountability, emphasizing a need for research and funding to focus on local issues. By examining case studies from Brazil, the Philippines, and other countries, he calls for more collaborative efforts to create frameworks that genuinely reflect the needs of diverse populations. This approach challenges the dominant narrative that often sidelines the Global Majority in policymaking and tech governance.
The Role of Regulation in Election Integrity
The conversation shifts to the evolving regulatory frameworks applied to platforms, especially in the context of elections. Chris Tenneuve discusses ongoing efforts in Canada and the EU to implement laws that enhance transparency and accountability for platforms, addressing issues like misinformation and disinformation. He notes the importance of legislating standards and expectations during election cycles, stressing the need for effective mechanisms that can respond to misinformation without being used to manipulate electoral outcomes. The intricate balance between regulation and maintaining democratic integrity underlines the critical role of proactive governance in the digital age.
Civil Society's Role in Political Accountability
The panel highlights the pivotal role that civil society organizations play in holding platforms accountable, particularly during election cycles, with Jonathan Korpisong providing insights from his research. He contrasts the effectiveness of coalitions in Brazil with the challenges faced in the Philippines, illustrating how diverse methodologies can impact electoral outcomes. The shared experiences of these regions reveal that well-structured coalitions can leverage various strategies, from strategic litigation to grassroots mobilization, to safeguard democratic processes. This underscores the necessity for civil society to engage actively and collaboratively to ensure platform accountability during politically charged periods.
Navigating the Challenges of Generative AI
The conversation delves into the implications of generative AI on political campaigns and information dissemination, with insights from multiple panelists reflecting on its potential risks and benefits. Shannon McGregor discusses the hype surrounding AI in elections, suggesting that while many concerns may be exaggerated, the technology offers tools that can change campaign strategies behind the scenes rather than disrupt electoral outcomes dramatically. Chris Tenneuve expresses concerns over generative AI's role in creating misinformation and its capability for manipulation within political contexts. This discussion emphasizes the need for ongoing scrutiny and ethical standards as AI technologies continue to evolve and increasingly intersect with democratic processes.
On August 26th, Justin Hendrix moderated a panel convened by the Social Science Research Council at its offices in Brooklyn, New York. The panel was titled “Platforms and Elections: the Global State of Play, and it featured:
Dr. Shannon McGregor, associate professor at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media and a principal investigator with the Center for Information Technology in Public Life (CITAP);
Dr. Jonathan Corpus Ong, professor of global digital media. at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, inaugural director of the Global Technology for Social Justice Lab; and
Dr. Chris Tenove, research associate and instructor at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs and Assistant Director of the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions, the University of British Columbia.
This episode features a lightly edited recording of the conversation, which touches on topics ranging from the role of civil society and independent researchers in engaging with efforts to protect the integrity of elections and mitigate the spread of misinformation to current questions about how generative AI may impact politics.
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