Experts back tough action on harmful online content

By Benadetta Chiwanda Mia: Media and communications experts have called for Malawi to develop solutions that strengthen accountability for disinformation and harmful online content, tailored to the countrys own realities. The call comes amid growing concerns about the impact of disinformation on democratic processes, elections and other issues shaping public discourse. Speaking during the fourth session of the Taz Panter Foundations media workshop, Germany-based NGO AlgorithmWatch Senior Policy Manager Clara Helming said social media platforms have become powerful actors capable of influencing public debate, elections and access to information. To address the challenge, Helming said the European Union has introduced measures to hold social media platforms and major technology companies accountable for content shared on their platforms through the Digital Services Act (DSA). "What the DSA does is, for the first time, hold companies accountable or responsible for what is happening on their platforms. Under the DSA there is also an option to impose fines if companies don't comply with the law," Helming said. The law, which came into force in 2022, regulates illegal and harmful content, requires major online platforms to address risks linked to disinformation, election integrity and public safety and increases transparency and accountability in the management of online platforms. University of Malawi senior lecturer in Media and Communication Studies Jimmy Kainja said Malawi's disinformation problem extends beyond social media. Kainja cited the September 2025 elections as an example, saying allegations that the Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) planned to rig the polls were amplified through press conferences, demonstrations and extensive traditional media coverage long before they spread widely online. He said that, for months before voter registration began, opposition groups ran what he described as a sustained campaign against Mec, accusing it of planning to rig the elections. "Opposition parties held press conferences, while civil society organisations organised demonstrations. "These events received extensive coverage in traditional media, which often provided uninterrupted airtime for individuals to present their allegations and views during live press conferences," Kainja said. He said although no credible evidence was presented to support the claims, the narrative contributed to public mistrust of the electoral body and discouraged some citizens from registering to vote. Kainja said Malawi could learn from Europe's efforts to hold technology companies accountable but cautioned against importing foreign solutions wholesale. "The EU is a powerful bloc with the influence and regulatory authority to call on major technology companies to address specific challenges. Malawi does not possess the same level of leverage," he said. He said Malawi's reliance on foreign-owned platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and X presents challenges to digital sovereignty because decisions affecting online communication are largely made outside the countrys jurisdiction. However, Kainja said regulating platforms alone would not solve the problem. He said such measures must be accompanied by stronger digital literacy programmes, support for fact-checking initiatives, professional journalism and improved oversight across both traditional and digital media. "As misinformation and disinformation become increasingly prevalent online, traditional media can distinguish themselves by prioritising accuracy, verification and public interest reporting," he said.

WIRE — By Benadetta Chiwanda Mia: Media and communications experts have called for Malawi to develop solutions that strengthen accountability for disinformation and harmful online content, tailored to the countrys own realities. The call comes amid growing concerns about the impact of disinformation on democratic processes, elections and other issues shaping public discourse. Speaking during the fourth session of the Taz Panter Foundations media workshop, Germany-based NGO AlgorithmWatch Senior Policy Manager Clara Helming said social media platforms have become powerful actors capable of influencing public debate, elections and access to information. To address the challenge, Helming said the European Union has introduced measures to hold social media platforms and major technology companies accountable for content shared on their platforms through the Digital Services Act (DSA). "What the DSA does is, for the first time, hold companies accountable or responsible for what is happening on their platforms. Under the DSA there is also an option to impose fines if companies don't comply with the law," Helming said. The law, which came into force in 2022, regulates illegal and harmful content, requires major online platforms to address risks linked to disinformation, election integrity and public safety and increases transparency and accountability in the management of online platforms. University of Malawi senior lecturer in Media and Communication Studies Jimmy Kainja said Malawi's disinformation problem extends beyond social media. Kainja cited the September 2025 elections as an example, saying allegations that the Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) planned to rig the polls were amplified through press conferences, demonstrations and extensive traditional media coverage long before they spread widely online. He said that, for months before voter registration began, opposition groups ran what he described as a sustained campaign against Mec, accusing it of planning to rig the elections. "Opposition parties held press conferences, while civil society organisations organised demonstrations. "These events received extensive coverage in traditional media, which often provided uninterrupted airtime for individuals to present their allegations and views during live press conferences," Kainja said. He said although no credible evidence was presented to support the claims, the narrative contributed to public mistrust of the electoral body and discouraged some citizens from registering to vote. Kainja said Malawi could learn from Europe's efforts to hold technology companies accountable but cautioned against importing foreign solutions wholesale. "The EU is a powerful bloc with the influence and regulatory authority to call on major technology companies to address specific challenges. Malawi does not possess the same level of leverage," he said. He said Malawi's reliance on foreign-owned platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and X presents challenges to digital sovereignty because decisions affecting online communication are largely made outside the countrys jurisdiction. However, Kainja said regulating platforms alone would not solve the problem. He said such measures must be accompanied by stronger digital literacy programmes, support for fact-checking initiatives, professional journalism and improved oversight across both traditional and digital media. "As misinformation and disinformation become increasingly prevalent online, traditional media can distinguish themselves by prioritising accuracy, verification and public interest reporting," he said.

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