4.3. The graphic violence paradox One of the most commonly cited examples of problematic black box decision-making was in relation to violence. The media wants to report on newsworthy violence, yet it often triggers the automated systems designed to keep violence off the platforms. Platforms failed to distinguish between perpetrators of violence and media documenting it in the public interest. “By deleting our conflict coverage, the platforms are penalising the witness and helping the murderer hide the evidence” Consequently, 68% of the media reported deletions of news relating to violence. As one editor lamented: “By deleting our conflict coverage, the platforms are penalising the witness and helping the murderer hide the evidence.” Another journalist stated: “A militarybacked party is contesting the elections, and our role is to show voters the violence that they are perpetrating.” 4.4. Hate speech, impersonation, and intellectual property While violence was the justification most commonly highlighted by the media for deleting their content, other moderation policies were also enforced: • Hate speech: 30% of media reported deletions under non-discrimination rules, often for reporting on minority groups like the Rohingya or holding the military accountable for discriminatory speeches. • Impersonation: 27% reported deletions for news featuring military officials. Platforms flagged this as impersonation despite the intent of public oversight. • Copyright infringement: 30% reported deletions for infringement, with some stating it was a weaponised tactic, where pro-military actors falsely claimed ownership of images or video to trigger automated restrictions. 4.5. Moderation worsened during the elections Although international standards require digital platforms to take additional steps to protect election integrity, 79% of the media saw no improvements in overmoderation, or “false positives”, as the platforms call it. One editor observed that, “social media platforms continued to make news unavailable to a large audience.” Page 14 of 19