Former PM Ehud Barak Proposes Social Media Blackout Before Elections

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has sparked significant public controversy with a proposal to shut down social media platforms for the 72 hours preceding elections. In an interview with Channel 12 News, Barak suggested that Israel should directly instruct social media companies to block and close major channels and platforms in the critical three days before polling stations open.

Barak presented this extreme measure as a response to threats posed by artificial intelligence (AI) during the final stretch of an election campaign. He argued that such a move would combat the potential misuse of AI-generated deepfake videos close to voting day. "There is one option, to approach these companies, and demand from them in the name of the State of Israel, to close these channels in the last three days," Barak stated.

Critics have strongly opposed Barak's proposal, asserting that blocking digital platforms, silencing channels, and preventing citizens from disseminating content are unacceptable actions in a democratic regime. They argue that such a move would impose significant restrictions on public discourse precisely when voters are forming their opinions.