The Impact of Social Media on Freedom of Speech and Privacy Rights

Abstract

his research paper explores the way in which social media has the ability to influence our rights of freedom of speech and privacy in contemporary society. This study considers narrative around new technologies & digital age, regarding social media platforms being fundamental to communication & expression. After an introductory discussion of the evolution of social media and its effects, the paper considers the enormous impact of these platforms on both freedom of expression and privacy. It unpacks the problems of content moderation, censorship and hate speech as well as the intricate dance between user speech rights and social media company obligations. The research further explores the complex gamut of privacy rights and data protection in a digital age. It considers the accessing of social media data for social research and provides an overview of social research ethics that can be translated into digitally-enabled environments. The paper dissects the tensions and paradoxes between these interests, and provides a nuanced understanding of the legal dilemmas confronting policymakers, courts, and technology companies. It analyzes how such existing regulatory methods are likely to be effective only in part given the complexities of social media-related rights issues. In fine, this paper reveals the broader picture of the future trends and impact of social media regulation, in view of the new media technologies and shifting socio-legal nature. By examining the topic broadly, it aims to meaningfully advance the ongoing conversation about protecting basic rights in an age of digital everything.