Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guy Berger
Published on 2024-02-22 18:56:09
The upcoming South African elections are anticipated to see an increase in the use of WhatsApp to target migrants through fabricated incidents and calls to violence. The impact of such behavior is expected to be significant, leading to potential harm to individuals. To address this concerning scenario, the SA National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) and Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) have proposed several measures that could help mitigate the spread of harmful content.
Sanef and MMA recommend that Meta, the owner of WhatsApp, send reminders to users about the platform’s terms of service prior to the elections. Additionally, they suggest empowering group administrators to take a more active role in promoting content safety within their groups. This could involve sending messages to admins about their responsibilities in moderating dangerous content and providing tips for users to access reliable information about the elections.
Furthermore, Sanef proposes that WhatsApp could support the dissemination of accurate information by promoting channels such as the Independent Electoral Commission and the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa, as well as highlighting verified news media reports. While these actions may not completely eliminate the issue, they could make a difference in protecting individuals at risk of xenophobia.
In addition to the manipulation of WhatsApp for targeting migrants, Sanef also highlights the need to address online threats against journalists, particularly women reporters who face significant levels of abuse. They call on social media platforms to establish hotlines and partnerships with journalist organizations to monitor and respond to attacks on journalists effectively.
The editors recommend compiling a confidential list of journalists likely to face attacks, monitoring their accounts proactively, and taking necessary actions to protect them. They also advocate for transparency reports that outline the types of attacks and actions taken to protect journalists before election day to ensure their safety and prevent impunity for attackers.
Furthermore, private sector entities are urged to adhere to the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights by conducting due diligence, implementing risk-mitigation measures, and communicating outcomes to the public. The African Association of Electoral Authorities also emphasizes the importance of risk assessment standards, which are observed voluntarily in some regions and mandated in others.
Sanef and MMA are actively engaging with social media companies to discuss their role in safeguarding the elections infosystem and protecting freedom of expression. They seek to prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure that online voices, particularly those of journalists and the public, are not silenced due to cyber-misogyny.
In conclusion, Sanef stands against the use of the election for scapegoating communities or inciting public violence, advocating for access to accurate information and the protection of freedom of expression. Collaboration with stakeholders, research partners, and parliamentary committees is crucial in addressing these challenges and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
