The algorithmic misjudgement identified in the study can lead to several potential civic harms, including:
Misinformation and Disinformation: By mistargeting locality-specific government sources, users may be exposed to inaccurate or misleading information, leading to misinformation and disinformation about elections. This can undermine trust in the electoral process and democratic institutions.
Voter Suppression: If users are unable to access accurate and relevant electoral information from their local government sources, it may result in voter suppression. Lack of access to essential voting logistics and candidate information can deter individuals from participating in the electoral process.
Erosion of Civic Engagement: When users are not presented with locality-specific government sources in search results, it diminishes their engagement with the civic process. This can lead to apathy, disengagement, and reduced participation in elections.
To mitigate these potential civic harms, several strategies can be employed:
Algorithmic Accountability: Implementing mechanisms for auditing and monitoring the algorithm's performance in surfacing government sources can help identify and rectify misjudgements. Regular audits can ensure that the algorithm is functioning as intended and surfacing relevant information.
User Education: Educating users about the importance of seeking information from authoritative government sources can help mitigate the impact of misjudgement. Promoting awareness about reliable sources and encouraging users to verify information can empower them to make informed decisions.
Collaboration with Government Agencies: Collaborating with government agencies to optimize the visibility of their websites in search results can enhance the accessibility of accurate electoral information. By working closely with election authorities, search engines can ensure that users have easy access to reliable sources.
By taking proactive measures to address algorithmic misjudgement and its potential civic harms, search engines can contribute to a more informed and engaged electorate.