@article{GibsonBonRoemmele, author = {Gibson, Rachel and Bon, Esmeralda and R{\"o}mmele, Andrea}, title = {Operationalizing data-driven campaigning: designing a new tool for mapping and guiding regulatory intervention}, series = {Policy Studies}, journal = {Policy Studies}, doi = {10.1080/01442872.2023.2259333}, abstract = {Since the Cambridge Analytica scandal, governments are increasingly concerned about the way in which citizens' personal data are collected, processed and used during election campaigns To develop the appropriate tools for monitoring and controlling this new mode of "data-driven campaigning" (DDC) regulators require a clear understanding of the practices involved. This paper provides a first step toward that goal by proposing a new organizational and process-centred operational definition of DDC from which we derive a set of empirical indicators. The indicators are applied to the policy environment of a leading government in this domain - the European Union (EU) - to generate a descriptive "heat map" of current regulatory activity toward DDC. Based on the results of this exercise, we argue that regulation is likely to intensify on existing practices and extend to cover current "cold spots". Drawing on models of internet governance, we argue that this expansion is likely to occur in one of two ways. A "kaleidoscopic" approach, in which current legislation extends to absorb DDC practices and a more "designed" approach that involves more active intervention by elites, and ultimately the generation of a new regulatory regime.}, language = {en} } @article{RoemmeleGibson, author = {R{\"o}mmele, Andrea and Gibson, Rachel}, title = {Scientific and subversive: The two faces of the fourth era of political campaigning}, series = {New Media \& Society}, volume = {22}, journal = {New Media \& Society}, number = {4}, editor = {Gil de Z{\´u}{\~n}iga, Homero}, publisher = {SAGE Publications}, address = {Sage UK: London, England}, issn = {1461-4448}, doi = {10.1177/1461444819893979}, pages = {595 -- 610}, abstract = {This article sets out the case that democracies are now entering a fourth phase of "data-driven" political campaigning. Building on the existing campaigns literature, we identify several key shifts in practice that define the new phase, namely: (1) an organizational and strategic dependency on digital technology and "big data," (2) a reliance on networked communication, (3) the individualized micro-targeting of campaign messages, and (4) the internationalization of the campaign sphere. Departing from prior studies, we also argue that the new phase is distinguished, by a bifurcation, into two variants—the scientific and the subversive. While sharing a common core, these two modes differ, in that the former retains a commitment to the normative goals of campaigning, that is, to mobilize and inform voters, while the latter explicitly rejects and subverts these aims, focusing instead on demobilization and the spread of misinformation. Both are presented as abstract or "ideal" types, although we do point out how features of each have appeared in recent election campaigns by mainstream and populist parties. We conclude by discussing the implications of these trends for the long-term future health of democracy.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{RoemmeleGibsonWilliamson, author = {R{\"o}mmele, Andrea and Gibson, Rachel and Williamson, Andy}, title = {Chasing the Digital Wave: International Perspectives on Growth of Online Campaigning}, series = {Journal of Information Technology and Politics}, volume = {11}, journal = {Journal of Information Technology and Politics}, number = {2}, issn = {1933-1681}, doi = {10.1080/19331681.2014.903064}, pages = {123 -- 129}, abstract = {In this series of articles we present new insight into the drivers, quality, and impact of web campaigning up to date by reflecting on the uptake, maturity, and impact of internet campaigning in elections around the world. Specifically, we use the contributions to address four key topics that have been addressed by the web campaigns literature since its origins. First, diffusion and how widespread web campaigning has become; second, the issue of normalization and how far web campaigns favour the already powerful and well resourced; third, we discuss whether campaign style is changing and becoming more interactive and participatory as a result of the new digital technology; finally, we provide new evidence on the question of voter mobilization and the extent to which the web appears to be a voter generator for political parties and candidates. While answers vary according to context it is clear that web campaigning is common practice in democratic elections, although the U.S. retains its leading role for innovation and experimentation. The bigger players still dominate but social media platforms appear to be a more equal playing field. Opportunities for interaction and participation remain under-used, which is even more of an oversight by parties given that it does web campaigns do appear linked to stronger voter support.}, language = {en} }