Meta is set to fight election misinformation in South Africa. The tech company which as you should also know is the parent company of both Facebook and Instagram, two of the most used social media platforms in the world is all set to help fight election misinformation in South Africa.
Meta to Fight Election Misinformation in South Africa
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has teamed up with South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to ensure responsible use of its platforms during the 2024 elections.
Nick Clegg, Meta’s Global Affairs President, shared the news, explaining how the tech giant is training the IEC to use social media responsibly. They are focusing on tools like WhatsApp bots to disseminate accurate election information.
The Challenges Faced By Meta
Clegg recognizes the challenges ahead, especially with emerging technologies like generative AI. Meta is working hard to implement safeguards against misinformation.
Meta is not alone in this effort. It has partnered with other tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and TikTok to combat misinformation. They recently signed an agreement at the Munich Security Conference to address this issue collectively.
While previous elections in other countries have not seen significant AI manipulation, Clegg remains vigilant for any potential surprises.
South Africa Is Preparing For Its Elections
Meanwhile, South Africa is preparing for its elections on May 29, 2024. With nearly 370 political parties and independent candidates entering the race, it promises to be eventful.
However, the road to the elections has had its bumps. The IEC experienced a couple of data leaks, drawing scrutiny from the Information Regulator, which is now investigating the matter.
Other Positive News to the Development
Despite challenges, there is some positive news. South Africans living abroad can now register to vote online for the first time. Over 30,000 expatriates have already taken advantage of this opportunity, making it easier for them to participate in the elections.
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