On 1 April, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) and Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) announced the launch of the Digital Disinformation Complaints process, which allows all South Africans to report potential digital disinformation via the online platform Real411.
The initiative aims to combat the rise in digital disinformation and its potential impact on elections, and aims to promote free and fair elections.
“411” is internet slang for information. Urbandictionary.com describes 411 as “1. slang for ‘the info’; 2. asking for the low-down on something; 3. information”.
Disinformation is defined as false, inaccurate or misleading information designed to intentionally cause harm. Within an election context this includes false information intended to unduly affect participation in and the outcome of elections.
Complaints will be considered by a panel of relevant experts including those with expertise in media law and social and digital media. They will make recommendations for possible further action for the consideration of the Commission.
Such action could include:
The site will contain a database of all complaints received and their progress.
