This report reconceptualises media capture in the age of social media, and provides a state-of-the-art review of current research and practice on the topic. It examines three interrelated practices of ‘undue influence’ – distraction, deception and disinformation. These can exploit features of social media platforms, such as algorithmic amplification, content moderation gaps, and para-platform ecosystems, which may enable three interrelated forms of capture: media capture, infrastructure capture, and platform capture. The report further unpacks the existing regulatory responses, including EU and national regulatory frameworks and interventions, as well as civic-led moderation efforts. The report highlights areas for future work to respond to media capture in an increasingly digitised world.

This work was funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding Guarantee [10113240]. This report is a draft and has not yet been reviewed or approved by the European Commission or UKRI. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or UKRI. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Authors: Roxana Bratu, Sarah Seif With contributions from Jonathan Gray