Private companies facilitate an unprecedented global sharing of information and ideas. Social and search platforms in particular have become primary sources of news and information (and disinformation) for hundreds of millions of people. With that role they have also become gatekeepers of expression that may excite passions and knowledge – or incite hatred, discrimination, violence, harassment, and abuse. Over the next year, the Special Rapporteur will study the impact of platform content regulation on freedom of expression, and examine appropriate private company standards and processes and the role that States should play in promoting and protecting freedom of opinion and expression online. His first set of findings and recommendations on this subject will be published in his report to the Human Rights Council in June 2018.
For a more detailed explanation of the issues and questions that the Special Rapporteur will be examining, please check out our concept note.
If you would like to provide comments and engage in our study, please check out our call for submissions.