Regulating free speech on social media is associated with objective conclusions about the consequences that uncontrolled user activity entails. According to Alkiviadou (2019), in the modern age of free access to online communication, the forms of interaction in the digital space often cause criminal actions. Cybercriminals, acting anonymously, can gain access to valuable and private information by blackmailing victims.
The concept of hate speech has entered into modern life and become a phenomenon that cannot be addressed successfully due to the breadth of social media (Alkiviadou, 2019). In addition, there is no adequate control framework that would allow prosecuting those who violate the law on the Internet, despite the efforts of individual governments. As a result, Alkiviadou (2019) stresses the need to develop sustainable tools to curb free speech in today’s technological realities. Otherwise, the risks of data breaches and bullying increase dramatically.
While the need to regulate social media is driven by cybercrime issues, the restrictions imposed on ordinary users run counter to democratic principles of free speech. Inobemhe (2021) cites an example of the situation in Nigeria and notes that the attempts of the local government to create restrictions on the Internet reflect the desire to limit users in their rights. Freedom of expression, whether in society or the virtual space, cannot be limited by any framework since, according to Inobemhe (2021), this is an attack on democracy. Social media is a convenient channel of interaction, and most people use it for peaceful purposes.
Moreover, as Inobemhe (2021) argues, any deterrence is unlikely to bring improvement because cybercriminals can always find new ways to realize their plans. The more restrictions are imposed, the more dissatisfied people are, which is natural in modern society. Therefore, attempts to regulate freedom of speech on social media are controversial activities associated with threats to democratic values.
References
Alkiviadou, N. (2019). Hate speech on social media networks: Towards a regulatory framework? Information & Communications Technology Law, 28(1), 19-35. Web.
Inobemhe, K. (2021). Social media regulation in a democratic Nigeria: Challenges and implication. Media & Communication Currents, 5(1), 71-88.