as well as mechanisms to report and remove such speech from online platforms in the height of electoral tensions.71 The following graphic outlines specific activities that could fall within each phase of the response framework. Initial insights about responses Exploring the sequence in which weaponized social media evolves and how organizations have been responding leads to several conclusions. Mitigation is an urgent need in the short term, both in response to new organizational risks borne of weaponization, as well as threats of weaponized social media to populations of concern. Security and reputational hazards abound from weaponization and yet most global NGOs do not have policies, frameworks, protocols or response plans in place to respond appropriately and systematically. Until preventative measures are better developed, organizations in the peacebuilding space will be increasingly expected to respond to online threats to social cohesion or violence triggers. Prevention work stretches the knowledge capacities and relationships of humanitarian, development and peacebuilding organizations. Prevention work involves legal, regulatory and oversight work (with 71 Dangerous Speech Project. Nipe Ukweli. https://dangerousspeech.org/nipeukweli/ MERCY CORPS The Weaponization of Social Media: How social media can spark violence and what can be done about it 23