10 signatures reached
To: Facebook and Twitter
Twitter / Facebook - Tell us if fake profiles are being used to manipulate the UK political space
We call on Twitter and Facebook to investigate whether dummy profiles and 'bots' are being used to manipulate the UK political space. They are the only people who can confirm this and, if it's true, and in breach of their Terms and Conditions, it should be addressed as a matter of urgency. If it is confirmed, we would like some indication of who is responsible.
Why is this important?
There is some concern that Facebook and Twitter are being manipulated in order to undermine political debate in the UK. Many people who suggest this are accused of being paranoid or conspiracy theorists. Facebook and Twitter have the resources and data to confirm whether or not this is true, and if it is true to confirm whether or not it is a technical breach of their Terms and Conditions. It is also within their power to indicate the likely source of such a campaign.
By conducting such an investigation and publishing the results, 2 of the largest media organisation in the world have a powerful opportunity to send a message about what is acceptable behaviour in political discourse on social media, and more broadly to make a strong statement about the value of fairness and honesty in democratic society.
