Report on content regulation
Issued by
Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression
Published
06 April 2018
Issued by
Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression
Published
06 April 2018
Issued by Special Procedures
Subject
Freedom of opinion and expression
Symbol Number
A/HRC/38/35
In the first-ever UN report that examines the regulation of user-general online content, the Special Rapporteur examines the role of States and social media companies in providing an enabling environment for freedom of expression and access to information online. In the face of contemporary threats such as "fake news" and disinformation and online extremism, the Special Rapporteur urges States to reconsider speech-based restrictions and adopt smart regulation targeted at enabling the public to make choices about how and whether to engage in online fora. The Special Rapporteur also conducts an in-depth investigation of how Internet companies moderate content on major social media platforms, and argues that human rights law gives companies the tools to articulate their positions in ways that respect democratic norms and counter authoritarian demands.
Member States
The report is the culmination of a year-long series of consultations, visits to major internet companies and a wide range of State and civil society input. A supplementary annex to the report gathers the findings of the consultations and submissions received.
Companies
NGOs and Civil Society Organizations
Individuals