Election Integrity in the Digital Age: Insights from IGF 2024

The IGF 2024 focused on the challenges facing election integrity in the digital age, including misinformation and emerging technologies like AI. Experts from various sectors discussed the significant risks posed to democracy, especially amidst numerous global elections in 2024. There is a strong emphasis on collaborative efforts to address these issues effectively, recognizing the need for tailored solutions and accountability for tech companies.

During the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024, panels were convened to address the pressing issues of election integrity in the digital environment. Experts from various backgrounds deliberated on the pernicious effects of misinformation, disinformation, and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes on democratic processes. Given the occurrence of over 65 elections worldwide in what is termed a ‘super election year,’ the dialogue underscored an urgent need for collaborative multistakeholder solutions to counter these mounting challenges.

Tawfik Jelassi of UNESCO articulated the alarming increase in disinformation, describing it as a significant global risk. He stated, “Without facts, there is no trust, and without trust, democracy falters,” highlighting that misinformation proliferates at rates substantially faster than verified information, which fuels public distrust in electoral processes. Panelists, including William Bird from Media Monitoring Africa and Lithuania’s Lina Viltrakiene, elaborated on the tactics utilized by malicious actors to misguide voters, particularly through the manipulation of digital platforms and the rising prevalence of deepfakes.

Addressing the disparities faced by the Global South, Elizabeth Orembo from ICT Africa pointed out that digital inequities and unequal access to media render these populations significantly more susceptible to misinformation. She emphasized the inadequacy of applying broad technological policies to diverse regional contexts, stressing, “We cannot apply blanket policies from tech companies without addressing regional contexts.” This highlights the necessity for tailored strategies accommodating local infrastructural and cultural dynamics.

Sezen Yesil from Meta presented the company’s initiatives aimed at mitigating election-related threats. These measures include enhanced controls against fake accounts, increased transparency regarding political advertisements, and partnerships with fact-checkers. Although concerns regarding AI-driven disinformation persist, Ms. Yesil suggested that the impact of generative AI in the upcoming 2024 elections was projected to be modest. Still, the need for robust accountability standards for technology companies was a shared sentiment among panelists, many of whom advocated for legal frameworks akin to the EU’s Digital Services Act to effectively address digital-related harms.

The panel’s emphasis on the importance of multistakeholder collaboration was evident, with Rosemary Sinclair from Australia’s AUDA reflecting that protecting democracy is “a global team sport.” She called for the involvement of governmental entities, civil society, academic institutions, and the technical community, reinforcing that the IGF serves as a pivotal platform for cultivating this essential cooperation. There was a consensus among participants that efforts to uphold election integrity should transcend the electoral cycles, advocating for sustained initiatives by digital platforms, governments, and civil society to foster trust and counter digital inequities while safeguarding democracy.

The discussion on election integrity during the IGF 2024 specifically addressed the convergence of technology and democratic processes, highlighting the risks posed by misinformation and deepfakes. The necessity of safeguarding electoral systems in a digital landscape where challenges are amplified gives rise to the urgency for collaboration among various stakeholders. The session was particularly relevant given the unprecedented number of elections anticipated globally in 2024. The insights from diverse sectors underline the growing recognition of the threats faced and the need for strategic responses to ensure a transparent and trustworthy electoral process.

In summary, the IGF 2024 session on election integrity showcased the multifaceted challenges posed by disinformation and emerging technologies on democratic functions. The contributions from a spectrum of experts underscored the necessity for tailored responses that consider unique regional contexts, and the vital role of cooperation across stakeholders. As democracy encounters evolving threats, the insights gathered reaffirm the commitment to fostering resilient electoral systems in the digital era, with calls for sustained engagement beyond election cycles.

Original Source: dig.watch