As the 2020 election approaches, nothing is a bigger threat to our democracy than the prospect of illicit interference compromising the vote.  Foreign and domestic election interference, disinformation, and voter suppression efforts proliferate on social media, and the platforms have utterly failed to address the threat. 

IDDP’s second international forum on social media disinformation, held on June 29, 2020, focused on the negative consequences of digital platforms’ misinformation negligence for free and fair elections.

This forum featured U.S. and international lawmakers and leaders at the forefront of protecting the vote and democratic integrity.  Witnesses fighting for ballot access and press freedom – and against racial disenfranchisement – outlined the gravity of the threat and where we go from here.

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In the heart of the nation's capital, IDDP brings together top researchers from across academic disciplines, works side-by-side with and informs journalists from leading media outlets, advises and helps agenda set with policymakers in the U.S. and Europe, and engages with a variety of organizations that have significant societal influence and reach.

This work is of vital importance in an age when media manipulation, fake accounts, and malicious social media activities are undermining fundamental aspects of societal cohesion and democratic ideals. Abuse, harassment, hate speech, and disinformation abound, with foreign and domestic actors alike taking advantage of key features of digital platforms to target vulnerable and marginalized members of society.