Conclusion

With the 2022 midterm elections on the horizon, it is all the more urgent that internet platforms take concrete steps to combat misinformation and disinformation related to election and voter suppression. Since the 2020 elections, we have seen promising improvements in the creation of platform policies to address the spread of misleading election content and in the addition of features that allow users to flag misleading content. However, there is still significant room for platforms to improve their efforts to address misinformation and promote civic engagement.

Many platforms still lack specific policies on voter suppression and do not have mechanisms for notifying users who engage with content that is misleading or unverified. Additionally, despite significant pressure, most platforms have not yet addressed changes tied to their core business models, such as reviewing and fact-checking advertisements or preventing repeat spreaders of misinformation from monetizing or advertising on a platform.

Most concerningly, there is an overall lack of transparency and accountability across all efforts to tackle election-related misinformation and disinformation. Going forward, companies should make this information available so that the effectiveness of current efforts can be accurately evaluated.

As people continue to turn to internet platforms to discuss, debate, and find information on elections, companies must enhance their efforts to identify and combat misleading information, and ensure they are providing adequate transparency and accountability around these efforts.