The Moral Responsibility of Social Media Platforms

Abstract

Social media platforms have a significant role in shaping public behaviour and public discourse, at times reaching impact halfway between a town square and an editorial office. It is argued that this role brings about specific obligations of ensuring that social media is governed in a sound and justifiable manner. The specific nature of these obligations is explored backing up the main arguments with insights and positions relating to concrete case studies as well as applicable principles pooled from national and supranational laws and guidelines. The concerns of some critical voices that highlight the seriousness of the problems arising in social media and the problems of tangling this criticism with issues of media freedom or the rights to privacy and data protection are addressed. There is attention to the growing number of arguments supporting the idea that considerations on media responsibility should be extended to social media companies as well. There will be some queries on the applicability and enforceability of such recommendations as well as the most promising, or already existing, regulatory developments at the national and supranational levels. Finally a special focus will be given to the EU, presenting a summary of the statements and actions carried out by the EU’s chief executives and commissioners signalling the intention of scrutinising the behaviour of social media giants more closely.

 Keywords moral responsibility, social media, public discourse, governance, media freedom, privacy rights, regulatory frameworks, EU scrutiny