The Just Security Podcast Regulating Social Media — Is it Lawful, Feasible, and Desirable? (NYU Law Forum)
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Mar 26, 2025 
Daphne Keller, a leading voice on platform regulation from Stanford Law School, teams up with Michael Posner, a professor known for his expertise in business ethics at NYU. They delve into the urgent need for social media regulation to combat disinformation and protect democracy. The discussion covers the balance between free speech and community responsibility and explores the impact of social media on polarization. They also examine the challenges of reforming laws like Section 230 while addressing corporate interests and user rights.
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Social Media's Role in Polarization
- Social media platforms, while not the root cause of societal divisions, exacerbate them by reinforcing existing prejudices.
- This is driven by their business model, which prioritizes user engagement, often fueled by negative emotions like hate and fear.
Government's Role
- Governments play a significant role in addressing or contributing to harms related to social media.
- Their actions, including regulation and enforcement, can have a substantial impact on the online landscape.
Google's Fight Against Censorship
- Daphne Keller, having worked at Google, expresses concern about government overreach in regulating speech.
- She highlights Google's efforts to challenge government demands deemed inconsistent with user rights.