Google unveils portal for 2023 elections
Google has announced the launch of a portal, the Nigeria Elections Trends Hub, to serve as a platform for Nigerians to search and discover trending information related to the national elections.
According to the firm, users of the platform will be able to get trending information related to the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, parties, and issues through the lens of Google Trends.
It stated that the platform will allow users to compare the search popularity of the presidential candidates and trending questions being asked about them.
It added that the portal featured maps and graphs displaying the search interest for the candidates over 30 days.
The Communications and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa, Google, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, said, “We want Nigerians to be empowered with information during the upcoming elections, so we’re organising information to make it easy for voters to learn more about the candidates through the eyes of Google Trends.
“More accessible and useful political information improves the political process and leads to greater citizen participation. We’re empowering voters so that they are not simply watching from afar, but participating, engaging with, and democratically shaping the political process.”
The firm further stated that this platform is part of a broader initiative by it to support the 2023 elections. Google joins Meta as some of the tech firms that have announced digital initiatives toward the 2023 general elections.
In December 2022, Meta announced it was intensifying efforts toward combating the spread of misinformation and making political advertising more transparent in preparation for the elections.
Speaking at an event to announce the firm’s plans, Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa, Adaora Ikenze said, “We know we have an important responsibility when it comes to helping keep people safe during the elections.
“Using lessons from the past including input from experts and policymakers across the national spectrum, we have made substantial investments in people and technology to reduce misinformation, remove harmful content on our platforms, fight voter interference and promote civic engagement during the elections.”
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Presidential and National Assembly elections for 2023 will be held on 25th February 2023, and Governorship and State House of Assembly elections will be held on March 11, 2023.
NP/Dominica Nwabufo
