INTERNET AND ELECTORAL CAMPAIGNS Study on the use of internet in electoral campaigns PREMS 039718 ENG Council of Europe study Prepared by the committee of experts on media pluralism and transparency DGI(2017)11 of media ownership (MSI-MED) Study on the use of internet in electoral campaigns Council of Europe study, DGI(2017)11 Prepared by the committee of experts on media pluralism and transparency of media ownership (MSI-MED) Rapporteur: Damian Tambini Council of Europe French edition: Étude relative à l’utilisation d’internet dans le cadre des campagnes électorales The opinions expressed in this work are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the Council of Europe. All requests concerning the reproduction or translation of all or part of this document should be addressed to the Directorate of Communication (F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex or
[email protected]). All other correspondence concerning this document should be addressed to the Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law. Cover design and layout: Documents and Publications Production Department (SPDP), Council of Europe Photos: Shutterstock This publication has not been copy-edited by the SPDP Editorial Unit to correct typographical and grammatical errors. © Council of Europe, April 2018 Printed at the Council of Europe Contents INTRODUCTION 5 1. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG? SOCIAL MEDIA, ELECTIONS AND DEMOCRATIC LEGITIMACY 7 2. BACKGROUND: REGULATION OF ELECTORAL CAMPAIGNS: FAIR, CLEAN AND CLEAR 9 (a) Objectives 9 (b) International standards and principles 10 3. THE CHANGING REALITY OF POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING 13 (a) Spending 13 (b) New Digital Marketing Techniques and their application in politics 14 4.