Access to information about online political advertising
K-Monitor is preparing for litigation challenging the lack of recourse for getting information about online political advertising on social media platforms. K-Monitor believe that online political advertising has a decisive influence on national politics, and it is thus important that citizens be allowed access to information about this advertising, such as who is paying for it and who is being targeted. But currently there is a lack of clarity about whether social media platforms fall under the scope of Freedom of Information legislation.
K-Monitor believe a court ruling is important to clarify whether platforms must provide information under current legislation. A positive ruling will force these platforms to respond to information requests, while a negative ruling will provide a base from which to push for new legislation.
Through pre-litigation research, K-Monitor will assess under which legislation (e. g. Freedom of Information, political finance, GDPR) public bodies and social media platforms profiting from online political advertising can be required to provide information and data about this advertising. Additionally, K-Monitor will work out if Hungary is a suitable jurisdiction to take litigation enforcing this legislation and, if not, then in which other EU jurisdiction could such a procedure be initiated.
Access to information about online political advertising
Organisation Name
K-Monitor Public Benefit Association
Country/Jurisdiction
Hungary
Amount Granted
EUR 10,802
Current Status
Ongoing
Grant type
Pre-litigation Research Support
Description
K-Monitor is preparing for litigation challenging the lack of recourse for getting information about online political advertising on social media platforms. K-Monitor believe that online political advertising has a decisive influence on national politics, and it is thus important that citizens be allowed access to information about this advertising, such as who is paying for it and who is being targeted. But currently there is a lack of clarity about whether social media platforms fall under the scope of Freedom of Information legislation.
K-Monitor believe a court ruling is important to clarify whether platforms must provide information under current legislation. A positive ruling will force these platforms to respond to information requests, while a negative ruling will provide a base from which to push for new legislation.
Through pre-litigation research, K-Monitor will assess under which legislation (e. g. Freedom of Information, political finance, GDPR) public bodies and social media platforms profiting from online political advertising can be required to provide information and data about this advertising. Additionally, K-Monitor will work out if Hungary is a suitable jurisdiction to take litigation enforcing this legislation and, if not, then in which other EU jurisdiction could such a procedure be initiated.
"...online political advertising has a decisive influence on national politics, and it is thus important that citizens be allowed access to information about this advertising, such as who is paying for it and who is being targeted. But currently there is a lack of clarity..."
Strategic Goal
Individuals in Hungary will have an explicit and enforceable right to access data relating to online political advertising through social media platforms. This will provide a more accurate view of the activities, circumstances, and financial background of political actors behind online advertising, allowing for informed decisions when it comes to electing public officials.