Should Ghana Ban Social Media on Election Day?
Accra, Ghana - August 23rd - RSVP Now
In May and July 2016, the Ghana Police Service made known their intention
to shut down social media in Ghana on the day of the general elections,
since in their view, social media platforms are used as a tool for
misinformation and often create unnecessary tension in the country.
This intention was met with a backlash from a host of civil
society organizations, key among which were Penplusbytes and Blogging
Ghana who issued a statement that banning social media is an infringement on
the constitutional rights of Ghanaians. In fact, Penplusbytes suggested
that the Police Service embrace social media to improve engagement and
information flows with the public.
However, others argue that a ban on social media for a day will
safeguard the country’s electoral process, and might be a welcome break
from too much focus on people's mobile devices.
Please RSVP now to join a lively debate at the next Technology Salon Accra where
we'll seek answers to questions like:
- How has social media bans in other countries impacted their
elections?
- What are the merits and demerits of a shutdown of social media on
Election Day?
- What options are available for security agencies to prevent or
quell election violence incited via social media platforms?
- Can social media monitoring be used to curb electoral violence and
misinformation?
Please RSVP now and let’s hear your thoughts
and concerns with our key discussants from the opposing ends of this
trending debate topic:
Please RSVP now to join them and your
esteemed peers at the 9th Technology Salon Accra. We’ll have hot coffee
and catered breakfast treats for a morning rush, but seating is limited.
Once we reach our 30-person capacity there will be a waiting list!
Social Media Election Bans
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About
the Technology Salon
The Technology Salon™ is an intimate, informal, and in person, discussion between
information and communication technology experts and international
development professionals, with a focus on both:
- technology's impact on donor-sponsored
technical assistance delivery, and
- private enterprise driven economic
development, facilitated by technology.
Our meetings are lively conversations, not boring presentations.
Attendance is capped at 35 people - and frank participation with ideas,
opinions, and predictions is actively encouraged.
It's also a great opportunity to meet others motivated to employ
technology to solve vexing development problems. Join us today!
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