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

Governments worldwide have increasingly turned to social media monitoring as a tool for maintaining national security. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in these monitoring practices has undoubtedly enhanced the efficiency and scope of such activities. However, this advancement brings forth significant concerns regarding privacy, freedom of expression and public trust.

To address these concerns and foster a more ethical and accountable framework, it is imperative for governments to adopt a transparent approach to their social media monitoring practices, particularly concerning the utilisation of AI technologies. Transparency in this context does not merely entail offering broad assurances of ethical use but requires the provision of comprehensive and detailed reports that are accessible to the public.

These reports should include, but not be limited to, the following elements:

1. Scope of Monitoring Activities: Clearly define what is being monitored, including the types of social media platforms and the nature of the content under scrutiny.
2. AI Utilisation Details: Provide insights into how AI is employed in the monitoring processes, including the types of AI technologies used, their capabilities and the rationale behind their deployment.
3. Data Privacy and Protection Measures: Outline the measures in place to ensure the privacy and protection of individuals’ data during the monitoring processes, including data handling, storage and deletion protocols.
4. Oversight and Accountability Mechanisms: Detail the oversight mechanisms that govern the monitoring activities, including the roles and responsibilities of different government bodies and any independent oversight entities.
5. Impact Assessments: Regularly publish impact assessments that evaluate the effectiveness of social media monitoring practices in achieving their stated objectives, as well as their implications on privacy and civil liberties.
6. Engagement with Platform Companies: Disclose the nature of collaboration or agreements with social media platform companies, including any requests for data access or content moderation.
7. Public Feedback Channels: Establish and maintain channels through which the public can provide feedback, raise concerns or seek clarifications about the monitoring practices.