ISLAMABAD: The upcoming general elections in Pakistan on February 8 are making waves across various internet platforms, with Facebook, TikTok, and Google taking proactive steps to inform and assist the public.
In an effort to provide voters with reliable information and safeguard its platform from misuse, Google has initiated several measures. The Google homepage now features links offering authentic information on topics such as ‘how to vote’ and ‘how to register to vote.’ Interested users can visit www.google.com.pk and click on “Learn more on how to vote in the 2024 National Election.”
Google has also introduced a dedicated Google Trends page focused on Pakistani elections, providing details about the participating political parties. Additionally, Google is conducting workshops to empower journalists with resources for news coverage, including training on news verification, digital security, and utilizing Google Trends.
YouTube, a subsidiary of Google, ensures access to local and national news sources through search results, Up Next panels on the home page, and other features to deliver quality news and information related to the elections.
TikTok is actively combatting misinformation, violence, and hateful content in adherence to community guidelines. The platform’s policies prohibit content that threatens voters, disrupts the voting process, or incites violence. TikTok collaborates with local and regional fact-checkers to consistently and accurately remove election-related misinformation. To further support authentic information dissemination, TikTok will introduce the Pakistan Election Center, offering details on voting procedures and locations.
TikTok has implemented specific policies for government, politician, or political party accounts, limiting their ability to engage in financial transactions through advertising, fundraising, or TikTok monetization tools.
While Facebook’s actions have been relatively limited, it has shared a link related to the general elections in Pakistan. Clicking on this link directs users to the Facebook page of the Election Commission of Pakistan.
