About Us
The Global Elections and Information Security (GEIS) is a research interest group based out of the University of Maryland’s College of Information, with members from American University, George Washington University and Georgetown University.
GEIS members study the dynamics and systems that contribute to unsafe, polarized, and vulnerable information environments in the US and abroad. We aim to construct new technologies, spaces, and policies that support higher-quality, more informative, and more civil information spaces.
GEIS Research
Our research spans online political engagement, polarization, conflict studies, and other relevant areas, with publications in a variety of top-tier academic venues. Visit our workshops and other events.
GEIS Members
Issues and threats in the information domain are socio-technical by nature, and our members therefore cross disciplines, including computer science, political science, communication, and others.
GEIS Impact
Our members have briefed multiple national and state governments, inform policy, provide data resources to the academic community, and have numerous appearances across the popular press.
Things We Study
Online Manipulation – The covert use of information technology to influence individuals’ decision-making processes by exploiting their vulnerabilities
Information Quality – The accuracy, reliability, relevance, and comprehensibility of content
Polarization – Divisions between political groups, manifesting as the ideological gap between different parties, policymakers, and the electorate, leading to heightened partisanship, reduced compromise, and intensified political conflict
Content Moderation – The process of monitoring, reviewing, and managing user-generated content on digital platforms to ensure compliance with community guidelines, legal regulations, and ethical standards
