{"id":39591,"date":"2024-09-26T13:39:56","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T13:39:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/?post_type=noticia&p=39591"},"modified":"2024-10-07T14:38:05","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T14:38:05","slug":"find-out-tools-you-can-use-to-fight-misinformation-during-the-election","status":"publish","type":"noticia","link":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/en\/noticias\/find-out-tools-you-can-use-to-fight-misinformation-during-the-election\/","title":"Find out tools you can use to fight misinformation during the election","content":"

Misinformation is a growing threat to the integrity of electoral processes worldwide. With the increase of online-based interactions, even though access to information is becoming easier, the speed at which fake news spread imposes challenges to both voters and candidates to public office, in addition to democratic institutions.<\/span><\/p>\n

The erosion of trust in the electoral process and its institutions, social polarization, voter manipulation, and political violence are all consequences of the accelerated circulation  of false news in social media. In addition to compromising public trust, misinformation directly affects the most vulnerable groups \u2014 women, people of African descent, and the LGBTI+ community \u2014, which are often targeted by coordinated smear campaigns and lies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nina Santos, the director of Al\u00e1fia Lab, in an interview to Conectas<\/span><\/a>, highlights that these groups are disproportionately affected, which further limits their opportunities of social and political participation. \u201cMisinformation affects the very possibility or ability of people, particularly women and black people, to occupy social spaces, positions of power, or even running elections\u201d, she states.<\/span><\/p>\n

Santos also emphasizes the lack of regulation of digital platforms as one of the major challenges in the fight against misinformation. \u201cThought the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) has made significant strides, the absence of a more robust regulation of digital platforms is still a problem. The scenario for 2024 is concerning, particularly with the growing use of artificial intelligence\u201d, she says, highlighting the need for creative and more effective regulatory solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the approaching municipal elections, it is crucial to train the population to identify and fight misinformation. The list below includes tools that can help.<\/span><\/p>\n

How can I report misinformation?<\/b><\/h2>\n

1. Via mobile<\/b><\/h3>\n

Download the <\/span>Pardal<\/span><\/a> app (available at Google Play and the App Store), a tool offered by the TSE for users to report  electoral irregularities. For misinformation cases, users will be referred to the Electoral Misinformation Alert System (SIADE, acronym in Portuguese).<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Via website<\/b><\/h3>\n

SIADE<\/span><\/a> is a platform where users can report false information that hinders the voting process. Alerts are verified and, if necessary, digital platforms and competent authorities are notified to take the appropriate measures.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Via phone<\/b><\/h3>\n

The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) has provided the population with <\/span>SOS Voto<\/span><\/a>, a complaint hotline at the number 1491. Through this hotline, the TSE\u2019s Integrated Center for the Fight against Misinformation checks reports and, when necessary, forwards them to the Federal Police or the Electoral Prosecution Office. <\/span><\/p>\n

What can be reported?<\/b><\/h2>\n