Major technology and social media companies, including X, TikTok, Snap, Meta, Microsoft, and Google, have been criticized for their inadequate actions against disinformation and AI deepfakes, which pose a risk to the integrity of UK elections. The Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy (JCNSS) has accused these companies of adopting an uncoordinated approach and providing vague statements that make it difficult to hold them accountable. The JCNSS intervention highlights the increasing threat from malicious actors who utilize AI to create misleading deepfakes and spread fake information to interfere with elections worldwide. Despite upcoming elections in over 70 countries, evidence submitted by these tech companies demonstrates a lack of coordinated progress in combating election interference. JCNSS chair Margaret Beckett expressed concern about the disparity in approaches among companies and emphasized that they should take responsibility and be more proactive in managing harmful digital content. Furthermore, the committee raised apprehensions about the lack of regulation on algorithms used by tech and social media companies that may create “echo chambers” and limit access to crucial information during elections. Beckett criticized tech companies for not engaging proactively with Parliament’s inquiries and providing insufficient responses. The committee’s investigation into defending democracy is ongoing.
Big Tech’s Response to Election Threats Criticised by Parliamentary Committee
