CYBERTURFING AND GLOBAL LEGAL FRAMEWORKS: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF REGULATORY RESPONSES

Abstract

Cyberturfing, a form of deceptive practice that involves the manipulation of public perception by means of systematic disinformation campaigns, has become an international problem. It compromises democratic institutions, distorts market competition, and undermines public trust in digital communication. This study offers an integrated analysis of cyberturfing by discussing its development, central methodologies, and socio-political implications. Utilizing a comparative law perspective, it examines how various jurisdictions across the globe, such as the United States, European Union, and some Asian jurisdictions, have enacted, regulated, or reacted to cyberturfing by way of judicial precedent. It places special emphasis on the enforcement challenge, limits of jurisdiction, and technology's twofold enabling/frustration effect. Additionally, it reflects on how consumer rights, freedom of expression, and cybercrime legislation play roles in crafting regulatory interventions. On that basis, the paper makes recommendations for a harmonious international order where the effectiveness of regulation is matched with safeguarding digital rights. The study adds to existing literature on digital governance and provides policy directions to regulators, legal academics, and tech interests interested in mitigating the ubiquitous scope of cyberturfing.