Blog Entry #5: Sector Specific Issues Regarding Free Expression
Below, I'll be outlining sector specific details relating to protecting free expression.
Private Internet Companies (social media or otherwise)
Benefits
Diversity of affordances leads to diversity of information consumed and a variety of platforms for creators
Private internet companies can be incentivized to protect free expression and fit users wants/needs
Lots of platforms trying different strategies leads to quicker innovation regarding regulation and protection
Drawbacks
Social media companies are slow to solve the problems they create
Monopolies create a monoculture
Poor business models allow companies to behave poorly
What needs to be done to safeguard free expression?
Model's like Meta's Oversight Board are helpful for building user trust through transparency of how their regulations are implemented. Users would feel included in the process of creating and enforcing policies on social media through the sharing of information like this. Additionally, private internet companies should strive for protecting free speech while monitoring misinformation and disinformation. Current views are mixed regarding the different techniques to monitor and curb harmful information, but with time and trial and error, algorithms should improve.
What are possible blind spots or failures regarding free speech and expression?
The largest issue, especially for social media companies, is combating misinformation and disinformation. Unfortunately, may current models reward misinformation, as more clicks equals moving up the algorithm. In the process of curbing misinformation and disinformation, social media companies could over-regulate users and limit their speech.
Government and Policymaking
Benefits
Much easier to make universal and standardize
Has to adhere to the First Amendment
Court precedents establish a variety of ways that free expression is legally protected
Drawbacks
State-run social media may adhere to constitutional rights more, but would take away from the benefits of private internet companies
Slower policy making and changes
Lawmakers regulating social media can conflict with private internet policies and even disagree with precedents and constitutional guarantees
What needs to be done to safeguard free expression?
Continuing to put the First Amendment and court precedents first is the most valuable thing that the government and policymaking can contribute to protecting free expression.
What are possible blind spots or failures regarding free speech and expression?
On a state-level, restrictions could be implemented, despite federal regulations and protections. Additionally, partisan values or wants can get in the way of neutrality.
Civil Society and Third-Party Researchers
Benefits
Tools like APIs help citizens and third-party researchers hold private internet companies and the government responsible
Civil society can advocate for change with people in mind
Social accountability can support claims and amplify marginalized voices
Drawbacks
Doesn't have to adhere to constitutional guarantees
There can be a lack of information or inconsistent information
Civil society and third-party researchers can be victimized by state and non-state actors
What needs to be done to safeguard free expression?
In terms of civil society and third-party researchers, I think the most important thing is for social accountability and acting with society in mind to be at the forefront. With the two ideas at the forefront, the benefits will be greater than the drawbacks--as the thought of society in mind should support constitutional guarantees and thorough research.
What are possible blind spots or failures regarding free speech and expression?
Civil society and third-party researchers can struggle with a lack of diversity as large stakeholders can dominate the field. Additionally, it's hard to build trust online compared to the physical trust that was built prior to the internet.
Media and the News Industry
Benefits
Per the Founding Fathers, journalism exists to protect free expression and share all voices
Protected constitutionally
Helps to keep government policies and actions in check
Drawbacks
Poor quality journalism spreads misinformation, mutes voices, and can contain heavy political bias (furthering the decline of trust in the media)
Journalists can be threatened and avoid reporting on topics as a result
What needs to be done to safeguard free expression?
Journalists should adhere to journalism ethics, with the search for the truth at the forefront. Through this, maybe trust in the media will improve, allowing people to feel comfortable with sharing their stories through journalists and valuing information shared by journalists. Additionally, journalists should continue to be protected by precedents and against violence.
What are possible blind spots or failures regarding free speech and expression?
As mentioned above, political bias is a large concern surrounding free expression in journalism. Additionally, well-meaning journalists can jump the gun, which is particularly easy with the creation of social media.