Governments Move to Regulate Social Media as Election Disinformation Grows
Kampala, Uganda
Governments worldwide are stepping up efforts to regulate social media platforms amid growing concern that online disinformation is undermining elections and public trust.
Proposals include stricter content moderation rules, transparency requirements for political advertising, and penalties for platforms that fail to act. Civil society groups warn that vague or excessive regulation could be used to silence dissent.
Technology firms argue that regulation must balance safety, innovation, and freedom of expression.
“The challenge isn’t whether to regulate,” said a digital rights advocate. “It’s how to do it without harming democracy.”
Why It Matters
Election integrity: Disinformation threatens fair voting.
Free expression: Regulation risks abuse.
Digital governance: Rules set now shape the future internet.
What to Watch
Passage of new digital laws
Platform policy changes
