ARTICLE 19 launches The Social Media 4 Peace handbook

The Social Media 4 Peace guidebook, released by ARTICLE 19 on 24 August as part of the UNESCO Social Media for Peace initiative, focuses on content moderation and freedom of speech. It uses real-world examples and scenarios to explain the difficulties in content moderation. The guidebook emphasises that measures addressing problematic content must align with international norms and human rights. The research, focusing on Bosnia and Herzegovina, Indonesia, and Kenya, highlights a disparity between multinational corporations’ actions and the concerns of communities directly impacted by their content moderation choices.

Social media platforms are controlled by large corporations, which raises questions about censorship, media variety, and privacy invasions. False information, hate speech, and prejudice can flourish in areas with poor content moderation procedures, harming communities and the peace in post-conflict nations. This helpful manual explores the intricate relationship between content regulation, free speech, and the commercial strategies of digital companies.

The guide is intended to be a valuable tool for stakeholders and members of civil society who are involved in content moderation concerns, according to Chantal Joris, legal officer of ARTICLE 19. It fosters involvement from platforms and policymakers to ensure that local civil society perspectives are heard in conversations concerning platform policies and human rights in their nations.

Why does it matter?

In an age where digital platforms hold unparalleled influence over public discourse and information dissemination, the release of the ‘Social Media 4 Peace’ guidebook carries immense significance. This guidebook is a compass for navigating the complex terrain of online communication. By utilising tangible real-world scenarios, it demystifies the challenges of content regulation, emphasising the critical need for measures addressing contentious content to adhere to international norms and human rights standards. Its emergence resonates as a powerful tool to empower stakeholders, civil society entities, and digital citizens. It offers insights to shape platform policies that respect diversity, uphold human rights, and foster responsible online discourse.