 "Experts have noted that Musk’s vast influence — his account boasts nearly 203 million followers — contributes to what is known as “network effects.” This phenomenon allows content shared on X to spread rapidly to other platforms like Reddit and Telegram. Image Credit: AFP")
A recent study by the non-profit Centre for Countering Digital Hate has spotlighted Elon Musk and the social media platform X as significant sources of misinformation related to the U.S. elections. Reports indicate that false or misleading statements made by Musk about the election have garnered an astonishing 2 billion views on X throughout the year.
Experts in election security and misinformation pointed out that X is increasingly influential in the dissemination of misleading narratives, particularly in swing states that are expected to be pivotal in the upcoming presidential contest.
X’s response to concerns about misinformation has been to highlight its Community Notes feature, which allows users to add context to posts. The company argued that this approach is more effective than conventional warning labels when it comes to helping users discern misleading information.
However, since Musk’s acquisition of the platform, which was formerly known as Twitter, he has notably rolled back content moderation efforts and laid off a significant portion of the workforce. Additionally, Musk has shown vocal support for former President Donald Trump, who is currently locked in a tight race against Democratic contender Kamala Harris.
Experts have noted that Musk’s vast influence — his account boasts nearly 203 million followers — contributes to what is known as “network effects.” This phenomenon allows content shared on X to spread rapidly to other platforms like Reddit and Telegram.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsKathleen Carley, a disinformation expert and computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University, pointed out that X has become a conduit that facilitates the flow of information between different social media and messaging platforms.
According to the Centre for Countering Digital Hate’s analysis, at least 87 of Musk’s posts this year have promoted content related to the U.S. election that was rated as false or misleading by fact-checkers, collectively reaching 2 billion views.
In Pennsylvania, a key battleground state, misleading narratives have found fertile ground. X users have capitalised on news about incomplete voter registration forms flagged by local election administrators, framing these routine checks as evidence of voter suppression.
Philip Hensley-Robin from Common Cause, a nonpartisan group that advocates for transparent governance and voting rights, highlighted that these interpretations were incorrect. He emphasised that election officials were simply following regulations to ensure only eligible voters could participate.
Adding to the concerns, Cyabra, an AI firm specialising in tracking online disinformation, reported that a prominent X account with 117,000 followers was instrumental in spreading a fake video that falsely claimed mail-in ballots for Trump were being destroyed in Pennsylvania. In response, X noted that it had taken steps to address accounts involved in the distribution of this false video.
The issue highlights the complex challenges platforms like X face in balancing free speech with the need to curb the spread of harmful misinformation, especially with a high-stakes election on the horizon.