Governments’ use of AI systems in social media monitoring during elections

Introduction
The AI & Big Data Global Surveillance Index by Feldstein (2022) and the research by Cipers et al. (2023) provide insights into how AI and big data are used by governments for surveillance and combating online disinformation. Feldstein’s index reveals that 38 countries, including several in the EU, are monitoring social media through these technologies. Cipers et al.’s work highlights government measures against disinformation, ranging from AI detection tools to internet shutdowns, with countries like Estonia, France, and Germany employing technical strategies. These studies underscore the complex interplay between technology, governance, and societal values in the digital era.

AI & Big Data Global Surveillance Index (Feldstein, 2022):

The AI & Big Data Global Surveillance Index (Feldstein, 2022) evaluates the deployment of AI and big data surveillance systems by government entities worldwide. The data indicates that social media monitoring is being utilized by 38 countries globally, including Hungary, France, Germany and Italy in the European Union.

Government responses to online disinformation (Cipers et al., 2023b)

Cipers et al. (2023a) have constructed a dataset that catalogs public policy initiatives and laws established by governments as responses to online disinformation. In their taxonomy of government, the category of technical and algorithmic responses encompasses measures such as using AI to detect and mitigate the spread of disinformation. This category also includes basic technological strategies like partial or complete internet shutdowns as a means to control the flow of information. According to Cipers et al.’s (2023b) dataset, several governments within the European Union, including Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, and Spain, have implemented these technical and algorithmic measures to combat disinformation.

References

Cipers, S., Meyer, T., & Lefevere, J. (2023a). Government responses to online disinformation unpacked. Internet Policy Review, 12(4). https://doi.org/10.14763/2023.4.1736

Cipers, S., Meyer, T., & Lefevere, J. (2023b). Government Responses to online disinformation unpacked [Dataset]. Harvard Dataverse. https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/ZGIKLS

Feldstein, S. (2022). AI & Big Data Global Surveillance Index (2022 updated) [dataset]. Mendeley. https://doi.org/10.17632/GJHF5Y4XJP.4