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IEC partners with Google, Meta, Microsoft and TikTok against disinformation

Published

The Electoral Commission of South Africa signed the deal with the four platforms and the non-profit Moxii Africa. It aims to protect the accuracy of election information before the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026.

The Commission gazetted an Electoral Code of Conduct Countering Disinformation on 4 September 2026. It also designated Real411 to support its work. Real411 handles complaints in eleven official languages.

Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the partnership gives the Commission direct access to the platforms and a real fighting chance against disinformation. He said it lets the Commission act quickly against people who spread false information.

Mamabolo said: "A technically flawless election can still lose public trust if citizens are overwhelmed by disinformation."

Key facts

Who
Sy Mamabolo (Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral Commission of South Africa); Abongile Vanda (Director: Government Affairs, Microsoft South Africa); Tholoana Ncheke-Mahlaela (Government Relations and Public Policy Lead for Southern Africa, TikTok); William Bird (Director, Moxii Africa)
What
The IEC signed a partnership with four digital platforms and non-profit Moxii Africa to ensure the integrity of election information and counter disinformation before the Local Government Elections. The Commission also gazetted an Electoral Code of Conduct Countering Disinformation on 4 September 2026 and designated Real411 to support its efforts.
When
20 October 2026
Where
South Africa
Status
Reported

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