Germany: 90% of voters fear manipulation by foreign actors ahead of election on February 23 - Russia, U.S., China perceived top threats
Germany: 90% of voters fear manipulation by foreign actors ahead of election on February 23 - Russia, U.S., China perceived top threats
A poll of German voters found that 88% fear manipulation from foreign actors or governments as they prepare to cast ballots on February 23. Russia and the US ranked as the perceived top threats, followed by China.
Here is the original poll in German.
German voters are overwhelmingly concerned about foreign election interference according to a new poll published by the Brussels-based digital industry association Bitkom.
Overall, the poll found that 88% of the more than 1,000 eligible voters surveyed expressed fear that outside forces, whether governments, groups or individuals, would actively attempt to sway the vote through social media campaigns.
Ranked highest among those suspected of nefarious activity was Russia (45%), followed by the US (42%) and China (26%). There was also concern voiced over East European actors (8%).
Those voters polled also provided insight into how they form their political opinions, with 82% citing conversations with friends and family, 76% television and 69% the internet.
Some 80% of respondents felt the next government should address the problem of potential internet and social media misinformation by prioritizing digital policy.
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