Abstract
This article discusses a problem that has received scant attention in literature: microtargeted propaganda by foreign actors. Microtargeting involves collecting information about people, and using that information to show them targeted political advertisements. Such microtargeting enables advertisers to target ads to specific groups of people, for instance people who visit certain websites, forums, or Facebook groups. This article focuses on one type of microtargeting: microtargeting by foreign actors. For example, Russia has targeted certain groups in the US with ads, aiming to sow discord. Foreign actors could also try to influence European elections, for instance by advertising in favour of a certain political party. Foreign propaganda possibilities existed before microtargeting. This article explores two questions. In what ways, if any, is microtargeted propaganda by foreign actors different from other foreign propaganda? What could lawmakers in Europe do to mitigate the risks of microtargeted propaganda?
Highlights
As technology evolves, foreign adversaries’ means to intervene in democratic processes evolve as well.[1]
We focus only on foreign actors internal political actors can use political microtargeting to achieve their aim, and so the following novel characteristics of microtargeted propaganda are applicable to those actors
Even though microtargeted propaganda by domestic actors is outside the scope of this article, some of the regulatory solutions we suggest in Section 4 could alleviate the problems posed by both domestic and foreign microtargeted propaganda
Summary
Foreign adversaries’ means to intervene in democratic processes evolve as well.[1]. By combining microtargeting techniques with such new forms of propaganda, foreign actors could send the ‘right’ propaganda message to the ‘right’ person and influence the integrity of fundamental democratic processes, including European elections.[4]. What could lawmakers in Europe do to mitigate the risks of microtargeted propaganda by foreign actors?. 1. By ‘foreign’ we mean outside the political community (usually a state) where democratic processes take place – see discussion at the end of section 2 for more details. Foreign intervention in non- or semi-democratic political processes using the means discussed here is highly plausible but raises very different questions of fundamental rights and international law.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Maastricht Journal of European and Comparative Law
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
