Three in four Maltese are worried that personal information available on the internet is being used by political parties to target them with messages and campaigns, a new survey has found.

Published earlier in November, the latest Eurobarometer found that around a third of Maltese were “very concerned” about this and thought it undermined free and fair competition between political parties.

Read: Excessive social media use by politicians could alienate voters

The survey’s preliminary findings show how Maltese have a number of concerns about the role of social media in election campaigns.

In a pre-election period, traditional media usually have to observe a number of rules, such as periods of reflection just before voting days. This ensures equal campaigning time for the different candidates. Another rule deals with strict rules on funding for the campaign.

The controversial ban on political activity on the eve of elections has been challenged over the past years leading the police to question candidates and members of the press who disregarded the law and continued to campaign or report as people prepared to go to the polls.

Four in five Maltese said they believe these rules should also apply to online social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

Most Maltese believe those using social media to put political messages across should be made to observes these rules.

For instance, 79% said social media should have strict days of silence rules on the eve of an election.

Around 80% of Maltese also felt there should be better transparency of social networks and other online platforms when it comes to the amount of money they received from political parties and campaign groups.

The same was true when it came to sponsored content and advertorials.

Some 83% of Maltese said social media and websites should be clearer about online advertisements and who was paying for them.

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