Can you give us an example?
Ukraine’s independent media organisations are dealing with issues that may echo yours. At the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in February 2022, major tech platforms didn’t have enough information on who the country’s and region’s local trustworthy voices were. Despite the fact that platforms collaborated with international partners on numerous news trust initiatives and indicators, they lacked reliable mechanisms to identify professional and trusted local news sources in smaller markets. While technology companies have made significant efforts to combat the spread of dis- and misinformation, very few systems are in place to distinguish credible and trusted content creators, such as high-quality journalists and media organisations.
Independent media organisations in Ukraine have to compete with oligarch-backed traditional media companies, cope with widespread online disinformation, and deal with their social media accounts being removed or restricted. This was as true before the Russian invasion as it is today.
“Even before Russia’s full-scale invasion, the situation with tech platforms was not easy for Ukraine’s publishers and journalists, both of local and national scale. But since February 24 2022, it has become exponentially more difficult. The onslaught of Russian disinformation that Ukrainian users now face is overwhelming. Our independent media outlets continue to have their accounts arbitrarily blocked or suspended. Their content dealing with the war is unjustly removed or downgraded,” said Andrey Boborykin, Executive Director of Ukrainska Pravda.
Removals and restrictions can also badly affect your organization’s income. In Ukraine, independent media organisations found that big scoops, unwelcomed investigations, or reporting on conflicts could lead to content being unjustly removed or downgraded. This affected their revenue, as by the time the restrictions were lifted, the chance of recouping the costs of reporting through online advertising was minimal.
Can you do anything to help?
The Tech & Journalism Crisis and Emergency Mechanism can help media in Ukraine and the neighbouring countries address similar challenges and contribute to upholding freedom of the press and integrity in journalism. It can offer a way for you to participate in shaping the future of international media policy.
T&JM offers you both short-term remedies and longer-term solutions.
From left to right: Lutz Kinkel (ECPMF), Olga Myrovych (Lviv Media Forum), Liza Bezushko (GFMD), Olga Simanovych (GIJN) at the launch of the initiative on November 26, 2023, in Krakow, Poland
The Guidance
In the short term, T&JM helps you act swiftly if your organisation’s social media account is unjustly blocked, suspended or removed. It can help you navigate repeated disputes over content, and keep up to date with various platforms’ account-related policies and support systems.
For example, independent news media organisations in Ukraine are now able to:
- Report moderation issues with their social media accounts, and take the issue to a higher level. Organisations that believe they are experiencing account-related issues can submit their information using an online form.
- Explore a set of resources from Meta, TikTok and YouTube and discover the latest guidelines, updates and support systems.
In the longer term, as more organisations use the mechanism, the weight of evidence demonstrating the extent and persistence of these issues will grow. This development will, in turn, boost the efforts of GFMD and others to make the case with tech companies and governments for finding ways to resolve the fundamental structural concerns that underlie the problem.
“I really hope that the Tech & Journalism Crisis and Emergency Mechanism will provide an essential escalation channel to address these critical issues, especially at the local level. We urge tech companies to engage sincerely with this initiative for the sake of Ukraine’s free press and democracy.” – Andrey Boborykin, Executive Director of Ukrainska Pravda.
What does T&JM offer?
T&JM works closely with Ukrainian organizations, international experts, and the T&JM Ukraine Coalition to identify and support those who need assistance. We aim to create a dedicated platform where trusted journalism organizations and news media can report account-related issues with major tech platforms. While we don’t assess content quality, we do verify the identity, authenticity, and ethical compliance of those we support.U sing the data we collect, T&JM collaborates with partners and experts to advocate for better platform policies, establish crisis protocols, and influence future decisions in internet governance and policy.
“Amidst the complex landscape of today’s media environment, the launch of the Tech and Journalism Crisis and Emergency Mechanism stands as a beacon of resilience. In times of war, the synergy between technology and journalism becomes pivotal, and this initiative serves as a vital lifeline for the media in Ukraine. By bolstering our ability to navigate challenges, it not only safeguards the integrity of information but fortifies the very essence of a free press – a cornerstone in the face of adversity. I am honoured to be part of this transformative endeavour, recognising its profound importance in preserving the truth.” – Alyona Nevmerzhytska, Chief Executive Officer of Hromadske
How can I submit a case?
If you believe that your account is experiencing any of the issues outlined above, we encourage you to submit your information using the provided form. It’s important to note that the form is encrypted for security purposes. To learn more about the Tech and Journalism Crisis and Emergency Mechanism (T&JM), explore the dedicated resource centre.
How can our organisation collaborate with the Tech and Journalism Mechanism in addressing digital rights issues?
Media outlets wanting to engage with the Tech and Journalism Mechanism in tackling digital rights issues are invited to contact our T&JM team.
The ways media outlets can contribute include sharing anonymized data related to these challenges can facilitate research and analysis. Media development organisations can contribute their expertise by providing insights, analysis, and commentary on digital rights issues. This collaboration can enhance the platform’s resources and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by journalists and technology users.