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IEC launches online reporting platform for digital disinformation

Sy Mamabolo
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The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has launched an online reporting platform for digital disinformation.  The move is as a result of the rise in disinformation especially via digital platforms and the potential negative impact it may have on the integrity of the May 8 elections.

It is developed in partnership with Media Monitoring South Africa and will facilitate the online submission and tracking of complaints relating to disinformation encountered on social media platforms.

IEC chief executive officer Sy Mamabolo briefed the media in Centurion, south of Pretoria, on how the platform would work.

“Once a complaint is submitted online, it will be referred to a panel of experts under the umbrella of the Electoral Commission’s office for electoral offences. This panel which has expertise in media law, social media and disinformation, will assess and investigate the complaint and make a recommendation to the commission for consideration. The commission will then make its determination on any possible further action,” says Mamabolo.

The IEC’s vice-chairperson, Janet Love, says they’re also working with social media organisations in curbing the spread of disinformation relating to the elections.

“We have engaged with various stakeholders and these include some of the social media platforms themselves since the second half of last year. These include Facebook, Twitter and Google. And a number of these have interacted with political parties to make them aware of the opportunities some of the potential ways in which parties can use and protect themselves from abuse,” says Love.

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