Election Integrity and Digital Challenges: Key Insights from IGF 2024

Panelists at IGF 2024 focused on the imperative of election integrity amid rising challenges posed by misinformation and emerging technologies. The discourse took into account the global disparities in access to information, particularly in the Global South, and underscored the need for multistakeholder collaboration and tailored strategies to maintain trust in the democratic process during this pivotal ‘super election year.’

At the Internet Governance Forum 2024, panelists addressed the critical issue of election integrity in the context of a digital landscape increasingly fraught with misinformation and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and deepfakes. With over 65 elections scheduled globally during this unprecedented ‘super election year,’ the urgency of safeguarding public trust in democratic processes has never been more pronounced. Participants from various sectors highlighted the need for coordinated, multistakeholder approaches to mitigate these threats while also addressing the distinct challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly in the Global South.

Tawfik Jelassi from UNESCO articulated the rapid proliferation of disinformation, cautioning that, “Without facts, there is no trust, and without trust, democracy falters.” He noted that misinformation spreads at alarming rates, creating an environment conducive to distrust. Other panelists elaborated on how malicious entities exploit digital platforms to mislead voters through methods such as deepfakes and coordinated inauthentic behavior, thereby exacerbating the integrity crisis affecting elections.

Elizabeth Orembo of ICT Africa called attention to the digital inequalities pervasive in the Global South, which leave these communities more susceptible to misleading narratives. Orembo emphasized, “We cannot apply blanket policies from tech companies without addressing regional contexts,” highlighting the necessity of tailored strategies that account for cultural and infrastructural differences.

Sezen Yesil from Meta discussed the company’s initiatives aimed at combating electoral threats, citing enhanced checks on fake accounts and improved transparency. Although concerns about AI-driven disinformation persist, she observed that the anticipated effects of generative AI in the upcoming elections may be limited. Experts underscored the urgent need for tech companies to assume greater accountability, with calls for legislative frameworks, such as the EU’s Digital Services Act, to effectively mitigate digital risks.

The session emphasized the collective responsibility required to fortify election integrity, with Rosemary Sinclair from AUDA asserting that protecting democracy is a “global team sport.” The importance of collaboration among governments, civil society, academia, and the technical community was made clear. The participants collectively recognized that initiatives to uphold election integrity cannot cease with election cycles, urging continued efforts to foster societal trust and equitable digital practices.

This article discusses the key discussions and insights from the Internet Governance Forum 2024 surrounding the challenges to election integrity in the digital age. It highlights the risks posed by misinformation, disinformation, and technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and deepfakes. As 2024 is dubbed a ‘super election year’ with numerous elections around the world, the panelists stressed the imperative for concerted efforts and tailored strategies to combat these issues, particularly in regions facing significant digital divides.

The discussions at IGF 2024 underscored the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect election integrity in an increasingly digital world. Experts advocated for collaborative approaches that involve multiple stakeholders, emphasizing that the responsibility for safeguarding democracy extends beyond election periods and must be addressed through sustained efforts. The role of forums like the IGF is vital in advancing the dialogue needed to affect meaningful governance solutions moving forward.

Original Source: dig.watch