Thursday 28 November 2024: The Campaign On Digital Ethics (CODE) has today released its report, “Subverting Truth for Power”, exposing how disinformation was used as a core political strategy to manipulate public opinion, distort facts, and discredit the integrity of South Africa’s 2024 elections. The report reveals how false narratives and online exploitative tactics were used to erode trust in electoral processes and democratic institutions, threatening the reputation and legitimacy of South Africa’s democracy.
The report highlights key instances where political parties and influencers spread false narratives that were designed to erode trust in the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), its commissioners, and the electoral process.
“Globally, disinformation is being used as a strategic political tool to manipulate public opinion and undermine democracy,” said CODE’s executive director, Kavisha Pillay. “If left unchecked, it could have dire consequences for the stability of future elections, in South Africa and beyond.”
The use of disinformation as a political strategy can pose a profound threat to democracy by eroding public trust in institutions, causing polarisation, and distorting the electoral process. When false narratives spread, they undermine the public’s ability to make informed decisions, replacing facts with manipulation and fear.
In the run-up to South Africa’s 2024 elections, representatives of several political parties made allegations about the capability of the IEC to run free and fair elections, with the express aim of fuelling distrust in the credibility of the country’s electoral processes. These pronouncements continued after the elections when the legitimacy of the results was questioned.
The lack of transparency of many of the world’s largest social media companies, and the content recommendation systems of their social media and digital platforms can be seen to have aided and abetted the spread of disinformation. The significant influence of tech elites—many of whom recently supported Donald Trump’s win in the US election and have shown indifference to democratic norms—underscores the need for robust regulation. These "tech bros" have not only enabled disinformation campaigns globally but also shield their platforms from accountability under the guise of innovation.
“It’s time to confront the unchecked power of Big Tech and demand meaningful oversight to protect democracy,” added Pillay. “To this end, it is vital that all sectors—government, civil society, and tech platforms— act decisively to confront disinformation and to safeguard democracy.”
CODE calls for urgent measures, including the introduction of legislation to criminalise dangerous disinformation while defending free speech, and nationwide digital literacy campaigns to empower the public to navigate online spaces and report falsehoods. Other proposed interventions include a call for the expansion of the Electoral Code of Conduct, and regulations for digital political advertising and rules to promote transparency.
The full report, “Subverting Truth for Power,” is available for download
For media queries, contact kavisha@code-sa.org
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