Algorithms and the Threats to Democracy

Interference

Yaël Eisenstat, a former CIA officer, discusses the persistent threat of election interference facilitated by digital platforms. She highlights the progress made in addressing foreign interference since 2016, noting collaboration between government and platforms like Facebook. However, she warns that domestic actors remain a significant challenge, with coordinated inauthentic behavior still prevalent 1. Eisenstat emphasizes the need for platforms to tackle these issues despite political complexities, stating, "There is a movement on the far right that Facebook is not tackling strongly enough because it is politically complicated" 1.

   

Accountability

Eisenstat argues for stronger regulation of digital platforms to ensure accountability for content influencing elections. She points out that current internet laws are outdated and insufficient to address the complexities of modern platforms like Facebook 2. Eisenstat shares a real-world example involving the Boogaloo group to illustrate the potential dangers of unregulated platform activities. She questions whether platforms should bear responsibility for facilitating harmful connections, noting, "We would never be able to find out if those two men were connected using Facebook tools" 2.

   

Politics

The discussion shifts to the influence of platform policies on domestic politics, particularly the relationship between big tech and political actors. Eisenstat expresses concern over the potential for platforms like Facebook to sway elections, questioning why one individual, such as Mark Zuckerberg, holds such power 3. She also highlights the anxiety surrounding the post-election period, emphasizing the role of social media in spreading disinformation and chaos. Eisenstat warns, "If those platforms do not take very bold steps after November 3, I'm very concerned about how the platforms are going to be used to really spark what is already a tinderbox of anxiety" 4.