Social Media Regulation and Free Speech: Legal Approaches to Content Moderation, User Rights, and Platform Responsibility

Abstract

This article explores the intersection of social media regulation, free speech, and legal frameworks, with a focus on the complex challenges posed by content moderation on digital platforms. Social media has become a central pillar of modern communication, shaping public discourse, political debates, and individual expression. However, its widespread use has also led to concerns about the regulation of harmful content, misinformation, and the responsibilities of platform operators. The article examines various methods of content moderation, including automated systems, human moderation, and community guidelines, as well as the legal frameworks that govern these practices. It discusses the delicate balance between regulating harmful content and protecting the right to free speech, emphasizing the challenges faced by platforms in enforcing their policies. Additionally, the article explores the legal rights of users on social media, including their rights to freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information, and how these rights intersect with platform policies. Finally, the article reviews ongoing developments in social media regulation, including the European Union’s Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, as well as proposed reforms in the United States, and provides a global perspective on the future of social media regulation. The article highlights the importance of creating legal frameworks that protect users while fostering a balanced approach to content moderation and free expression.