California voters demand government action against social media disinformation
Over 80% of state voters, with 60% expressing high concern, are worried about the potential threats from disinformation, deepfakes, and artificial intelligence in the upcoming elections.
In a recent Berkeley IGS Poll, California voters have expressed ‘extremely high levels of concern’ about the threat of disinformation on social media to the democratic process. The survey, encompassing 6,342 registered voters across the state, revealed a striking consensus across political, demographic, and regional divides. Voters, skeptical of social media platforms’ ability to self-regulate, overwhelmingly support government intervention to curb the spread of disinformation.
The concerns are not limited to partisan issues, as the poll found bipartisan support for a comprehensive civic education program in California high schools. Respondents emphasized educating students on navigating election seasons without falling prey to intentionally deceptive communication.
Why does it matter?
The impact of disinformation on recent events, such as the confusion surrounding COVID-19 prevention measures and the false narratives surrounding the 2020 presidential election, has heightened the urgency for regulatory measures. This poll indicates voters’ unanimous call for heightened transparency from internet platforms, signaling a readiness for stricter government regulation to protect the integrity of democratic processes.
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The GIP Digital Watch Observatory team, consisting of over 30 digital policy experts from around the world, excels in the fields of research and analysis on digital policy issues. The team is backed by the creative prowess of Creative Lab Diplo and the technical expertise of the Diplo tech team.