Manipulation of the public through social media poses a critical threat to democracy. To counter it, many social media platforms have announced algorithmic changes designed to counter disinformation. By examining broader digital marketing practices, however, this report finds that platforms made a smaller number of algorithmic changes than the announcements implied and that the impact of changes on suppressing disinformation or promoting meaningful engagements was short-lived.
In this context, the authors point to a wider issue: the lack of transparency or accountability regarding or oversight into the ways in which the complex technical systems used by social media platforms make decisions that affect democratic processes. To counter this, the report argues that electoral regulation needs updating for a digital age. It recommends that the UK Electoral Commission’s powers should be expanded to reflect modern campaigning with reforms such a database of campaign accounts, digital imprints on campaign material, and increased co-operation with international partners.
Internet Policy and Cybersecurity Consultant, Oxford Information Labs
Former Research Associate
Emily Taylor is the CEO of Oxford Information Labs Ltd. and a specialist in cybersecurity, internet law and governance, and surveillance laws. In collaboration with Philip Howard, she is involved in ongoing research around AI and Good Governance.
Former Research Assistant
Samantha left the OII to become Assistant Professor at American University. She specialises in computational propaganda, social media and democracy, human rights, and Internet policy
