Publications
Research
Digital Risks to the 2024 Elections: Safeguarding Democracy in the Era of Disinformation
A new report by Paul M. Barrett, Justin Hendrix and Cecely Richard-Carvajal highlights that this year’s primary tech-related threat to elections isn’t AI-generated content, but the spread of false, hateful, and violent content on social media platforms.
Reality Check: How to Protect Human Rights in the 3D Immersive Web
Our report written by Mariana Olaizola Rosenblat explains the risks to privacy and safety exacerbated by immersive technologies and recommends steps tech companies and the government can take to minimize those risks.
Safeguarding AI: Addressing the Risks of Generative Artificial Intelligence
Our report on safeguarding AI argues that the best way to prepare for potential existential risks in the future is to begin now to regulate the AI harms right in front of us.
Gaming The System: How Extremists Exploit Gaming Sites And What Can Be Done To Counter Them
Our report describes how extremist actors are exploiting online gaming sites to disseminate violent ideologies, network with like-minded people, and perpetrate real-world harm.
Spreading The Big Lie: How Social Media Sites Have Amplified False Claims of U.S. Election Fraud
Our report explains how the major platforms are fueling distrust of elections and recommends reforms such as enhanced fact-checking and outside auditing.
A Platform ‘Weaponized’: How YouTube Spreads Harmful Content – And What Can Be Done About It,
Our report explains how the major platforms are fueling distrust of elections and recommends reforms such as enhanced fact-checking and outside auditing.
Enhancing the FTC’s Consumer Protection Authority to Regulate Social Media Companies
This white paper explains why the government needs to oversee platforms like Facebook and Twitter as a way to reduce misinformation, hate speech, and other forms of harmful content.
Fueling The Fire: How Social Media Intensifies U.S. Political Polarization – And What Can Be Done About It
Our report explains that while the major tech platforms may not cause partisan hatred in the first instance, they do exacerbate the problem, which has dire consequences for our democracy.
Recommendations to the Biden Administration on Regulating Disinformation and Other Harmful Content on Social Media
This white paper recommends a range of steps the Biden Administration should take to counter disinformation and other harmful content on major social media platforms.
False Accusation: The Unfounded Claim That Social Media Companies Censor Conservatives
Our report debunks the myth that the political right is suppressed online and recommends that the platforms make their content moderation practices more transparent.
Regulating Social Media: The Fight Over Section 230 — And Beyond
Our report on Section 230 and regulation of social media companies, recommends amending the foundational law of the commercial internet and creating a Digital Regulatory Agency.
Disinformation And The 2020 Election: How The Social Media Industry Should Prepare
This report looks at the types and sources of false content likely to surface during the next presidential campaign. It also provides recommendations to the major social media companies for responding to disinformation.