CISSReC Observer Fears Buzzers' Mass Mobilization in Pilkada Elections
Translator
Ricky Mohammad Nugraha
Editor
Petir Garda Bhwana
Rabu, 30 September 2020 12:12 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Communication and Information System Security Research Center (CISSReC) chairperson, Pratama Persada, on Tuesday believes ‘buzzers’ will be mobilized in the regional head elections (Pilkada) to amplify the campaigns of candidates that use their services.
Persada argues that the role of buzzers are actually needed amidst political campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes it difficult for regional head candidates to campaign on public spaces.
“This means ‘buzzing’ certain topics from campaign managements is deemed essential through the use of social media and other internet platforms,” said Pratama in an interview with Antara on Tuesday, September 29.
Pratama was the former chairperson of the state crypto agency, which is now known as the National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN), which oversaw the General Election Commission (KPU) IT security during the 2014 general election (Pemilu)
The buzzers is believed to be used for a variety of campaigns, starting from positive campaigns, negative or black campaigns against competing regional head candidates. He asserts that the KPU will need to regulate social media activities of candidates and other types of restrictions using internet platforms as a countermeasure.
Read also: Komnas HAM, NU, Muhammadiyah Against Pilkada Elections amid COVID-19
ANTARA
