This article distils from the various (proposals for) platform regulation operational principles that can serve as the basis for productive debate on the subject.
Political micro-targeting has become a popular topic after the surprise results of the 2016 US presidential election, the UK vote on leaving the European Union, and a number of general elections in Europe in 2017. Yet, we still know little about whether PMT is a tool with destructive potential or if it’s “just” a new phenomenon to be incorporated into our political processes.
What if presidents and policies could be bought and sold online? Social media and advertising technology are making that a reality.
This essay argues that we have anxieties about micro-targeting because we have anxieties about democracy itself.
The Brazilian 2014 elections were the first to heavily apply Whatsapp as a micro-targeting tool. This paper aims to test the effectiveness of Whatsapp compared to more traditional approaches. First, we find that short videos delivered via WhatsApp are a powerful method of increasing turnout among teen voters. Second, we add Brazil to the list of countries in which the traditional method of door-to-door canvassing has been proven a powerful method of mobilising voters.
This study examines the conditions under which political behavioural targeting occurs in multi-party democracies, and explains differences between parties.
Abbreviated version of a speech delivered by the Member of the European Partiament Sophie in ‘t Veld in Amsterdam in May 2017 to Data & Democracy, a conference on political micro-targeting.
This article reveals restrictions on micro-targeting and data-driven canvassing in parliamentary democracies with strict data protection laws.
This paper discusses resolution of the contested meanings of inclusiveness, accountability and transparency in trade policymaking.
Today's struggles for human rights in the digital age would greatly benefit from a closer look at the past.