As the midterm elections approach in the Philippines, members of the Mozilla Philippines Community (MozillaPH) find themselves at a critical juncture. Technology is now at the core of electoral campaigns, and with it comes the challenge — and the responsibility — to ensure that the information citizens receive is accurate, fair, and accessible. At MozillaPH, our mission has always been to promote an open, inclusive, and secure internet. In light of this, we ask: What role should MozillaPH play in upholding these principles during the upcoming elections, particularly in a landscape increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI)?
Standing Against Misinformation with Trustworthy AI
Mozilla’s mission for a healthier internet centers around trustworthy AI — technology that serves and respects the individual, rather than exploiting users for profit or amplifying harmful content. With AI driving much of the information that reaches people on social media, we see AI being leveraged to spread disinformation just as often as it is to amplify reliable sources. This presents a challenge but also an opportunity for MozillaPH to take a stand.
One impactful way to support our community during this election period is to educate voters on the technology shaping the news they consume. By breaking down AI algorithms and exposing biases, MozillaPH can help voters discern credible information and prevent themselves from becoming victims of misinformation. It could be as simple as a webinar, blog series, or public forum, where we discuss how AI curates news feeds and shapes public discourse.
Advocating for Transparency in Tech-Driven Campaigns
In recent elections worldwide, opaque advertising practices and social media manipulation have surfaced as major concerns. Mozilla has been vocal about the need for transparency from tech giants regarding how they handle election-related content, and this is especially relevant here in the Philippines. With the rapid dissemination of election-related content, there is an increased risk of echo chambers and misinformation bubbles influencing voter perspectives.
To address this, MozillaPH could advocate for clear policies on online campaign ads and support calls for greater transparency on AI-driven platforms. Collaborating with local tech and journalism communities to monitor and report suspicious online behaviors could help ensure that candidates and platforms alike are held accountable for the accuracy and integrity of the information shared.
Championing Digital Literacy Programs
The election season is a timely opportunity to expand MozillaPH’s digital literacy initiatives. By running webinars and/or workshops that cover topics like identifying fake news, spotting manipulated media, and understanding AI’s role in content recommendations, MozillaPH can empower voters with the tools they need to make informed decisions. Mozilla has long promoted internet literacy, and as a community, we are well-positioned to offer accessible, free resources that make tech education a priority in this election season.
Supporting Community-Led Initiatives for Fact-Checking
One of the most pressing issues in modern elections is the flood of misleading claims that circulate online. MozillaPH could support or even establish a community-driven fact-checking initiative. By collaborating with local fact-checking organizations or launching a platform where members can contribute to identifying and debunking false claims, MozillaPH can be a trusted source for voters seeking clear, accurate information.
We can also encourage community members to participate in existing fact-checking efforts, from reporting misinformation to promoting verified information on social media. Together, we can create a collaborative network of Mozillians who help maintain a fair, trustworthy information environment.
Advocating for Ethical AI in Election Coverage
As election coverage and campaign strategies increasingly rely on AI, MozillaPH has an opportunity to lead discussions around ethical AI in media and advertising. Mozilla’s commitment to trustworthy AI provides a framework for us to promote ethical guidelines for the use of AI in political content distribution. MozillaPH could organize discussions on how AI tools should respect voter autonomy, not manipulate it, and encourage platforms to adopt more ethical standards in political content targeting and recommendation algorithms.
The Power of Community in Creating a Trusted Internet
In the end, MozillaPH’s greatest strength lies in our community. We have a network of dedicated individuals who believe in a safer, fairer internet. By coming together during this election period, we can make a real difference — one that protects our democracy and upholds the integrity of our internet.
So, we invite all MozillaPH members: What role do you believe we should play in the upcoming elections? How can we, as Mozillians, help create an online ecosystem that fosters transparency, respects voter choices, and combats the spread of misinformation? Share your thoughts, join our initiatives, and let’s work together to make a positive impact.
In a time when technology plays such a pivotal role in democratic processes, let us, as MozillaPH, champion a safe, open, and trustworthy internet for all.
