Melcer warns election integrity, press freedom at risk ahead of next vote

Former deputy Supreme Court president Prof. Hanan Melcer has issued a stark warning regarding the integrity of Israel's elections, particularly in light of potential early votes. He highlighted significant risks posed by artificial intelligence, anonymous online activity, and foreign interference, while asserting that these dangers can be mitigated through proactive preparation.

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Election integrity is in danger. But the danger can be prevented.

Speaking at a panel at the Herzliya Conference, Melcer, who previously chaired the Central Elections Committee, emphasized the need for constant vigilance against threats to the voting process. He noted the evolution of campaigning through social media and recalled his precedent-setting decision to limit anonymous online activity during election periods. The emergence of AI presents a new and significant challenge that did not exist during his tenure.

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You always have to think about what could happen.

Melcer also cautioned Israel to prepare for both foreign and domestic interference attempts, though he stated that publicly available information suggested such efforts had not succeeded in the two elections he oversaw. Beyond election security, Melcer addressed the changing landscape of journalism and press freedom. He argued that individuals publishing factual reporting on social media should be afforded journalistic protections and called for press cards to be issued by the Israel Press Council rather than the Government Press Office.

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In everything concerning social networks, there should effectively be no anonymity during an election period.

Assessing press freedom in Israel, Melcer assigned it a score of 70 out of 100, linking its decline to government policy. He specifically pointed to proposed legislation by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi that critics fear could increase political influence over the media. Melcer also mentioned the government's decision to close Army Radio, which has been frozen by the High Court pending petitions.

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Today, AI has entered the picture, which did not exist in my time.