Democratic scrutiny of social media platforms and protection of fundamental rights

Summary:

The power and role of social media platforms to moderate the content put online by their users is increasingly coming under scrutiny. A debate is raging among policy-makers, and more widely among the population, on whether social media platforms should be subject to more stringent measures and public oversight. During the February plenary session, the Council and the Commission are expected to make statements on democratic scrutiny of social media platforms and protection of fundamental rights, in particular on freedom of expression.