4 July 2023

Media Monitoring Africa Welcomes New Framework to Combat Disinformation in 2024 Elections

JOHANNESBURG, 04 July 2023 – Monitoring Africa (MMA) welcomes the new Framework of Cooperation signed by the Electoral Commission (IEC), social media giants Google, Meta and TikTok, and MMA to combat disinformation ahead of South Africa’s 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

The Framework, which was signed yesterday, July 3, establishes a collaborative framework between the partners to promote access to accurate information, conduct awareness campaigns on elections, and provide training to political parties, election candidates and other key election stakeholders on addressing disinformation.

MMA Africa Director William Bird said the Framework was a significant step forward in the fight against disinformation in South Africa.

 “Disinformation is a serious threat to our democracy, and this Framework will help to ensure that voters have access to accurate information during the 2024 elections,” said Bird.

The Framework also includes a provision for the establishment of a Working Group between the partners to monitor and report on the implementation of the Framework.

MMA will be a member of the Working Group, and Bird said the organisation would play an active role in ensuring that the Framework is implemented effectively.

“We are committed to working with the IEC and the other partners to combat disinformation in the lead-up to the 2024 elections,” said Bird.

The Framework is a welcome development, and MMA is confident that it will play a significant role in ensuring that the 2024 elections are free and fair.

MMA has been working to combat disinformation in South Africa for many years, and the organisation is well-placed to play a leading role in the implementation of the new Framework.