In Taiwan's recent presidential election, disinformation and rumors of vote fraud surfaced, raising concerns about the integrity of the democratic process. However, Taiwan swiftly responded to these challenges, offering valuable lessons to other countries facing similar issues in their upcoming elections.
With more than 50 countries preparing to hold national elections this year, the importance of addressing disinformation cannot be overstated. Taiwan's experience showcases the effectiveness of a comprehensive approach in countering misinformation, which involves various stakeholders such as the government, independent fact-checking organizations, and even private citizens.
When false rumors began to circulate during Taiwan's election, fact-checking groups promptly debunked them, providing accurate information to the public. The Central Election Commission also took proactive measures by holding a news conference to address claims of electoral discrepancies. Moreover, influencers like @FroggyChiu with a significant online following shared explanatory videos on platforms like YouTube, enlightening viewers about the proper vote-counting process.
One particular video that gained traction showed an election worker incorrectly entering a vote in the wrong candidate's column. However, fact-checkers determined that the video was selectively edited, misleading viewers. Voters at the polling station had identified the mistake, and election workers promptly rectified the count. This incident was among numerous others that fact-checkers had to debunk.
Taiwan's FactCheck Center, a nonprofit journalism organization, played a crucial role in dispelling false narratives. Its editor-in-chief, Eve Chiu, noted that some individuals genuinely believed the rumors, and when the election results were announced, they questioned their authenticity. By debunking videos of alleged voter fraud, Taiwan's FactCheck Center helped restore confidence in the election process.
China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, actively targeted the island with a stream of disinformation ahead of the election. Certain narratives sought to undermine faith in the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and painted Taiwan as an aggressive force likely to instigate a war it cannot win. Other false narratives aimed to discredit U.S. support for Taiwan, portraying America as an untrustworthy partner solely interested in Taiwan's semiconductor exports.
One of the reasons Taiwan effectively countered Chinese disinformation lies in how seriously the threat is perceived there. By adopting a multifaceted approach, Taiwan was able to address disinformation comprehensively. This approach involved not only improving media literacy but also relying on independent fact-checking groups and even individual citizens to expose and challenge disinformation and propaganda.
Alexander Tah-Ray Yui, Taipei's economic and cultural representative to the U.S., emphasized the need to identify and debunk false information swiftly, comparing it to removing a tumor before it spreads. Taiwan's civil society groups, such as MyGoPen and the Taiwan FactCheck Center, have focused on raising public awareness by debunking rumors reported by individuals. These organizations advocate for independence and have received funding from entities like Google.
Taiwan's experience illustrates the importance of an informed and vigilant civil society. The fact-checking groups, often founded by dedicated individuals, have played a critical role in challenging false narratives. Additionally, efforts to improve media literacy and educate the public about fake news and the digital environment are ongoing, recognizing that these changes require time and societal education.
In contrast, the United States faces distinct challenges in countering disinformation due to its larger population and deep-rooted political and social divisions. Efforts to address disinformation have become the subject of intense political debates, with accusations of government censorship and thought control. In the U.S., disinformation propagated by foreign actors like Russia is often embraced by domestic groups skeptical of the government.
Taiwan's success in countering disinformation is not without ongoing challenges. Chinese disinformation campaigns have become more localized and sophisticated, adapting to societal nuances. For instance, a Chinese-run Facebook page created a video alleging an affair between a legislator from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and a woman from China. The video featured a man speaking with a Taiwanese accent, making it more convincing to local viewers.
As countries prepare for their upcoming elections, they can learn from Taiwan's experience in effectively countering disinformation. By adopting a multifaceted approach that involves the government, independent fact-checking organizations, and an informed civil society, democracies can work towards preserving the integrity of their electoral processes. The fight against disinformation requires constant vigilance and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of accurate information for the healthy functioning of democratic societies.
