Expanding the Debate About Content Moderation

Abstract

In this paper, nine scholars consider how to expand research on Internet platforms’ content moderation. We consider research on encrypted platforms such as WhatsApp; on short-lived but briefly popular platforms; on cloud computing platforms and throughout the infrastructure. We address the implications of content moderation for civic action in open societies, content moderation as regulation, for our political lives, the quality of our cultures and daily lives; and opportunities and for regulatory approaches.

Keywords: social media, Internet platforms, content moderation, censorship, democracy, regulation