Israel bans voter data apps at polling stations in blow to major parties

Israel’s election committee has prohibited political parties from using applications that collect and transmit voting data from polling stations, marking a significant restriction on campaign targeting methods. The decision by election committee chair Sylvan Shalom was announced in response to concerns that parties were using real-time voting information to identify and persuade specific voter groups. The ban targets what has become a standard practice for larger parties, particularly those in the current coalition government, who have invested heavily in data-driven campaign strategies.

The committee stated that transferring voting information for the purpose of voter identification and persuasion constitutes a breach of voter privacy. Under Israeli election law, polling station workers record detailed voting patterns that parties have previously been able to access and analyse for targeted campaigning. The new ruling effectively closes off this data stream during the election period, preventing parties from using live voting information to refine their ground campaigns in real time.

The decision has triggered strong reactions across the political spectrum. The Likud party is reportedly considering an appeal to the Supreme Court to overturn the ban, suggesting the restriction could significantly impact their campaign strategy. Meanwhile, opposition parties from across the spectrum—including those on the left and the ultra-Orthodox factions—have criticised the practice itself, with some characterising the previous use of such data as election theft. The ruling represents a rare moment of agreement among disparate political forces that voter privacy protections should take precedence over campaign efficiency.

The ban reflects growing international concern about the use of personal data in electoral campaigns and comes amid broader debates about privacy and voter manipulation in democratic elections. Israel’s decision aligns with stricter data protection standards being implemented across Western democracies, though the ruling remains controversial among campaign professionals who argue such tools are essential for modern political communication.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.