In 2018, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) won the election primarily because of social media. Many mexicans abandoned traditional media controlled by the oligarchy in favor of less biased online media, such as Twitter and YouTube. But all that could change very soon, as right-wing owners like Twitter’s Elon Musk may use their platforms to boost right-wing politicians in Mexico’s upcoming elections. Google and its YouTube platform have also been criticized for shadow-banning websites in favor of those that are more aligned with the American government’s points of view. So how can Mexico protect itself from a potential political shift brought about by social media?
The Power of Social Media
Social media has become an important tool for people around the world to connect with one another, share news, and discuss politics. This is especially true in Mexico, where citizens have used platforms such as Twitter to rally support for AMLO and other left-wing candidates. However, this power is not without its risks, as tech giants like Google and Twitter could potentially use their platforms to influence the political landscape in Mexico.
Shadow Banning & Censorship
One risk associated with social media is censorship or shadow banning. Shadow banning is when certain posts or accounts are hidden from public view without informing the user that they have been censored. This practice has been seen on YouTube, where some left-leaning channels have had their content taken down or hidden from public view. Similarly, Google has been accused of censoring search results to favor those sites that are more aligned with U.S.-centric points of view. It is unclear if this type of censorship has impacted Mexican politics yet but it certainly could in the future if tech companies decide to tilt the scales towards right-wing candidates or causes.
Protecting Against Censorship
So what can be done to protect against potential censorship? One option would be for users to switch away from popular platforms owned by tech giants and move towards alternative open source solutions such as Mastodon or Peertube instead. These services are designed with freedom of speech and privacy in mind and provide an alternative way for users to communicate without fear of being censored or shadow banned. Additionally, users should be aware of what information they are sharing on these platforms and take steps to ensure that their data remains private and secure at all times.
Keep Your Eyes Open
As we move closer towards the Mexican elections there is a real risk that tech giants will try to manipulate public opinion by using their platforms for political gain. By switching away from popular platforms owned by tech giants and moving towards alternative open source solutions such as Mastodon or Peertube instead,, users can help protect themselves from potential censorship while still enjoying the benefits of social media platforms such as connecting with friends, sharing news stories and discussing politics freely online.. It will take vigilance on behalf of Mexican citizens to ensure that their voices remain heard amid potential interference from powerful tech companies like Google and Twitter who may attempt to influence upcoming elections using their massive reach.. Taking action now can help prevent any manipulation attempts before they take hold so that voters can make informed decisions come election time..