Between Anarchy and Censorship. Public discourse and the duties of social media
Between Anarchy and Censorship. Public discourse and the duties of social media

Author(s): Judit Bayer
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Economy, Media studies, Business Economy / Management, Political Theory, Communication studies, Politics and communication, Marketing / Advertising, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
Published by: CEPS Centre for European Policy Studies
Keywords: Anarchy and Censorship; Public discourse; social media; Communication; mass media;
Summary/Abstract: Social media platforms have become powerful enough to cause perceptible effects in societies on a global scale. They facilitate public discussion, and they work with excessive amounts of personal data – both activities affecting human rights and the rule of law. This specific service requires attention from the regulator: according to this paper, a new legal category should be created with clear definitions, and a firm delineation of platforms’ rights and responsibilities. Social media companies should not become responsible for third-party content, as this would lead to over-censorship, but they should have the obligation to create and maintain safe and secure platforms, on which human rights and the rule of law are respected.

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