Electoral Commission launches online reporting platform to report digital disinformation
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has launched an innovative online reporting platform for citizens to report instances of alleged digital disinformation. This follows a global rise in disinformation, especially via digital platforms and its potential impact on the upcoming elections. The platform will provide for the online submission and tracking of complaints …
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has launched an innovative online reporting platform for citizens to report instances of alleged digital disinformation.
This follows a global rise in disinformation, especially via digital platforms and its potential impact on the upcoming elections.
The platform will provide for the online submission and tracking of complaints relating to disinformation encountered on social media platforms.
It was developed in conjunction with Media Monitoring Africa, an NGO focused on promoting independent, accurate and impartial reporting on elections.
“The digital disinformation reporting platform forms part of the work of the Directorate of Electoral Offences, which was first established ahead of the 2016 Municipal Elections to investigate alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct and prohibited conduct,” says the IEC.
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The Directorate operates in line with the elections and will go on until the day of the publication of election results.
It consists of a panel of independent attorneys appointed to investigate each complaint and make recommendations for possible further action to the Commission.
The purpose of appointing an external legal firm also facilitates the independence and the integrity of the IEC in relation to the investigation of such complaints.
Complaints will be considered by a panel of relevant experts, including those with expertise in media law and social and digital media.
Launching the platform on April 1, vice-chairperson of the IEC Janet Love says: “Digital media has the potential to be an asset in the promotion of democracy, transparency and informed decision-making that should underpin elections as it provides platforms for rapid and wide sharing of information.”
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Media Monitoring Africa director William Bird said one of the core challenges surrounding disinformation is that it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction.
“Without the necessary skills and techniques to distinguish real information from disinformation, the likelihood of members of the public being misled is increasing.
“While some efforts to build critical digital literacy skills have been made, it is essential, in the lead up to elections, that concerted efforts to develop digital literacy skills are rolled out,” says Bird.
Such complaints can be submitted to the Electoral Court or the Directorate for Electoral Offences.
The Secretary of the Court, Samkelo Mgxekwa, can be contacted at SMgxekwa@sca.judiciary.org.za or on 051 412 7400/7494.
The Directorate for Electoral Offences can be reached at legalservices@elections.org.za
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