Global deliberations on social media platforms' accountability and restrictions

Discussions regarding the accountability of social media platforms and the influence of the algorithms operated by them have intensified worldwide. According to a report by Business Standard, the Government of India is seriously considering removing the 'blanket protection' or 'Safe Harbour' shield provided to social media platforms. Under current rules, platforms are exempt from legal liability for content posted by users, but the government is now considering amending this protection for algorithm-based content.

On the other hand, at an international level, the matter of the ban imposed on social media for children under 16 years of age in Australia has reached the High Court. According to reports by ABC News and Al Jazeera, this ban has been challenged constitutionally. This law compels platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Kik, Reddit, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitch, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube to prevent Australian citizens under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. Under this law, which came into effect in the month of December, approximately 50 lakh social media accounts have been blocked so far.

The 'Digital Freedom Project' and Reddit, who have challenged this law, argue that this ban is constitutionally improper as it deprives youth of civic dialogue and political discussions. Lawyers for Reddit state that this law deprives young people of the opportunity to present their views on a global scale, especially for a group that does not have the right to vote. On the other hand, the Australian government claims that this ban is necessary to protect children from the risks of social media. According to the government, platforms use algorithms to keep users hooked on the platform to earn advertising revenue, which is harmful to children.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas stated that social media algorithms decide what people will see, which is inconsistent with the principles of freedom of speech. In this case, organisations such as the UK-based 'Free Speech Union' and America's 'NetChoice' also wish to join as 'amicus curiae'. According to Luke Beck, a professor of constitutional law at Monash University, the government has a strong case in this matter, but this case will clarify the limits of the government's regulatory powers.

The severity of the ill effects of social media can also be understood from an incident that occurred in Surat city, Gujarat. According to a report by Hindustan Times, two teenagers were murdered in a dispute arising from a video shared in an Instagram group in Surat. According to the police, a video of horse riding was shared in an Instagram group named 'Salman Khan', and the matter escalated due to the exchange of comments and abuses on it. Following this dispute, a meeting was scheduled between both parties, during which three minors aged 17 attacked with meat-cutting knives and murdered two teenagers. The police have taken all three minor accused into custody.

These incidents have further accelerated the discussion regarding social media algorithms and the controls over them. While in India the government is preparing to amend the Safe Harbour rules, the court's verdict in Australia will prove important for the future of social media. The Australian government says they are firm on child safety and that this law can be changed as per necessity over time. Companies like Reddit have stated they will continue to comply with the law, but at the same time, they are also advocating for more effective security measures.

Social media platforms are fundamentally technology designed to connect users with each other and share information. In the last two decades, these platforms have become the primary medium for global dialogue. However, constant questions have been raised regarding their methods of algorithm-based content delivery and increasing user engagement. Governments of various countries are now amending legal frameworks to make these platforms more accountable, so that a balance can be maintained between security and freedom of speech in the digital world.