Thread by @ConUnit_UCL

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NEW BLOGPOST: @alanjrenwick & @MichelaPalese, authors of the Unit’s Doing Democracy Better report, write about the govt’s new election transparency rules for @prospect_uk. They conclude that while the rules are a welcome step, they don’t go far enough.
bit.ly/31crmKh

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The rules will require online election materials to carry an imprint – a disclosure stating the name and address of whoever is promoting and paying for them. The rules will apply to material regardless of where in the world it comes from & will be in force all year round.

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With online campaigning growing in importance—from less than 1% of campaign ad spending a decade ago to near half today - the new rules are long overdue. The Electoral Commission has called for such a move since 2003.

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But the authors argue that the government needs to go further:

1⃣. Digital platforms should be required to set up online ad libraries, where anyone can view current and past political ads and see detailed information on where those ads have been targeted.

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2⃣. A comprehensive digital media literacy strategy covering schools and the general public should be developed and implemented. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to this in its paper on imprints - bit.ly/2YbEugv, but concrete action is now needed

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3⃣. More broadly, steps should be taken to improve the availability of high-quality information for voters, both on- and offline. Electoral democracy functions effectively only if voters can access the information they want from sources they trust.

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You can read more about our project on improving discourse during elections and referendums here: bit.ly/3h6r4Ki