Election Authority Urges Caution Over Online Claims During Campaign

The Jersey Electoral Authority has urged islanders to be cautious when reading information shared online during the election campaign, following complaints about misleading content circulating on websites and social media.

The body responsible for overseeing Jersey's general election said it is reviewing a number of online platforms after receiving reports of potentially inaccurate and harmful posts.

In a statement, the authority reminded candidates and their supporters that its election code of conduct prohibits the sharing of false or misleading information about the election, candidates, or organisations connected to the electoral process.

Officials also warned that any online communication deemed by members of the public to be indecent, obscene, or threatening could be referred to the police for investigation.

The authority said some of the material reported to it included personal attacks and allegations against individuals that were either untrue or carried a menacing tone.

It warned that the spread of misinformation risked undermining public confidence in the democratic process.

"Misleading information can become a poison," the authority said, adding that it could damage the integrity of elections and ultimately weaken democracy.

The statement concluded with a call for greater vigilance online, particularly when information comes from uncertain sources or appears designed to provoke, shock, or target individuals, political parties, or causes.