Social Media Giants Prepare for Election Day Amidst Disinformation Concerns
As the United States approaches Election Day, social media companies like Meta, TikTok, X, YouTube, Snap, and Reddit are under immense pressure to combat the spread of disinformation. The issue has been a significant concern since the 2016 presidential election, when foreign adversaries exploited social platforms to sway the outcome.
Meta’s Efforts to Ensure Election Safety
Meta has invested over $20 billion in safety and security measures for global elections since 2016. The company has deprioritized political content on Instagram and Threads, and is working with fact-checkers to amplify verified voting resources and label AI-generated content. More than 40,000 people are working on Meta’s election safety and security efforts, and the company partners with 11 independent fact-checking partners in the U.S.
TikTok’s Commitment to Trust and Safety
TikTok expects to invest over $2 billion in trust and safety this year, including election integrity. The company launched its U.S. Election Center in partnership with Democracy Works, which provides voting FAQs from official sources. TikTok partners with fact-checking organizations to label unsubstantiated content and utilizes specialized misinformation moderators. The company also works with AP to make real-time election results available within the app.
X’s Proactive Approach to Election Integrity
X has been actively working with election officials, campaigns, law enforcement, and security agencies ahead of the U.S. elections. The company’s safety team proactively monitors activity across X to detect spam and deceptive accounts. X also leans on Community Notes submissions to correct or add context to posts containing misinformation.
YouTube’s Combat Against AI-Generated Misinformation
YouTube has been combating AI-generated election misinformation, highlighting trustworthy content, and providing resources about registering to vote. The company rolled out new features ahead of Election Day to connect voters with the information and context they need to stay informed. YouTube’s homepage highlights information about how and where to vote, and users may see a panel directing them to Google if they search “how to vote” or “how to register to vote.”
Snap’s In-App Resources for Voters
Snap has been offering users in-app resources to learn about the election and local issues this year. The company partnered with Vote.org to allow users to register to vote, check their registration status, and sign up for election reminders within the app. Snap has also been covering the election through its flagship news show, “Good Luck America.”
Reddit’s Efforts to Promote Accurate Election Information
Reddit has been sharing information about early voting, voter registration, poll worker recruitment, and other election-related resources through its “u/UpTheVote” account and on-platform notification channels. The platform’s search function surfaces official voting resources, and Reddit prohibits content intended to prevent people from voting.
As Election Day approaches, social media companies are taking significant steps to combat disinformation and promote accurate election information. However, foreign actors and domestic perpetrators continue to pose a threat to the integrity of the U.S. election.
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