Social media has transformed modern civilization, changing communication,
connectivity, and information consumption."Social media" are computer-mediated
technologies that make it easier to share ideas and information among virtual
groups and communities. On their personal computers or smartphones, users often
use web-based technology to access social media services. Users have the ability
to design highly interactive platforms that enable sharing, co-creation,
discussion, and modification of online content by people, communities, and
organisers. It alters how people and big organisations communicate.
In contrast
to traditional media, which employs a monologic transmission strategy-one source
to many receivers-its outlet employs a dialogic transmission method-many sources
to many receivers. Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Instagram ,Google+, and LinkedIn
are a few of the most widely used social networking platforms. Social media has
become increasingly important in recent years in shaping the fabric of Indian
society. It has transformed Indian society from one that was immature to one
that is mature.
Widespread use of social media has resulted in various benefits but the fast
expansion of social media platforms has also presented complex legal concerns
that necessitate thorough investigation.
Social media- pros and cons
Every coin have two faces and social media is no different. Some good and bads
are:
Pros |
Cons |
Connectivity and Communication |
Privacy concerns and security risks |
Social networking and community building |
Online harassment and cyber bullying |
Information sharing & acess to real time news |
Time management challenges and Addiction |
Promotes businesses and branding |
Spreads misinformation & fake news |
Increases social awareness and activism |
Negative impact on mental health and self esteem |
Education and learning opportunities |
Online scams and frauds |
Creative expression and self promotion |
Comparison and feeling inadequate |
Global reach and instant communication |
Distraction and lack of personal touch |
Problem of 'Hate speech' on social media
Different SM platforms and tech giants have taken many steps to fight hate
speech by establishing community guidelines and content management policies.
Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have introduced policies
clearly barring hate speech and tools for users to report such content. However,
enforcing these policies remains a difficult endeavour that frequently
necessitates careful evaluation of context, intent, and cultural nuances.
Because of the cross-border nature of these platforms, international cooperation
is critical to combating hate speech on social media. Collaboration among
governments, organizations, and social media platforms can aid in the
establishment of global standards and best practices for combating hate speech
while respecting cultural diversity.
The rise of social media has broadened the scope of free expression, allowing
people to express themselves and join in public debate more openly than ever
before. On the other hand, the spread of hate speech online has become a serious
concern, requiring the creation of appropriate regulatory frameworks.
It is difficult to define hate speech. It includes different sorts of discourse
that encourage discrimination, provoke violence, or inflict psychological harm
on individuals or marginalized communities. Striking a fine balance between
protecting free speech and reducing the negative consequences of hate speech
necessitates detailed laws and regulatory rules.
The government's role in controlling hate speech on social media is still
debatable. While some call for active government engagement to establish and
enforce clear legal norms, others emphasize the significance of self-regulation
by platforms themselves to protect free expression. Finding the correct balance
between government involvement and platform sovereignty is critical for
fostering an inclusive, courteous, and safe online environment.
Regulations related to Social media in India:
The main issue with social media platpors is the freedom it gives to its users.
The degree of freedom granted to users is not an issue in and of itself, but its
misuse leads to several difficulties. Also many times these users are face less,
and they believe that they can say anything on social media without any
credibility and get away with it. Apart from this, fake profiles are one of the
biggest problem on these platforms.
Numerous social media sites throughout the world have a massive user base of
around 3.8 billion. A vast volume of content is posted and shared on multiple
media platforms due to the massive crowds. As a result, bogus news and other
information gain a lot of momentum on such platforms, and numerous cases of
public indignation, unrest, and communal rioting disrupt public order. A recent
example is the 2020 Delhi Riots, where users posted specific videos that got
popular.
The government is developing the Information and Technology Rules for 2021 to
regulate social media. These procedures have been developed in the event of a
violation of their rights to seek redress for their concerns. As seen in Tehseen
Poonawalla vs. Union of India (2018), 9 SCC 501, the Supreme Court advised the
government to restrict the spread of explosive texts and videos on various
social media platforms, which have the potential to incite mob violence and
lynching.
Data collection and privacy on social media
Informed consent is a major issue in data collection practices on social media
sites. Long privacy policies and complicated terms of service agreements can
make it difficult for users to grasp the scope of data collection and its
potential repercussions. Improving openness and adopting clear communication
strategies are critical to ensuring individuals have a genuine understanding of
how their data is gathered, utilized, and shared.
Another major worry is the security of user data and protecting it from
unauthorized access or breaches. High-profile occurrences, such as the Cambridge
Analytica affair, have shown flaws in data protection practises. To address
these concerns, governments throughout the world have been passing or amending
data protection legislation, such as the European Union's General Data
Protection Regulation (GDPR), to strengthen user privacy rights and place
stricter requirements on platforms.
Because of the pervasiveness of social media, massive data gathering practices
have resulted, creating serious issues about privacy and the security of
personal information. Social media networks collect massive amounts of user
data, including preferences, behaviours, and interactions, in order to deliver
targeted ads and improve user experiences. However, legitimate concerns have
been raised about the possible misuse or mismanagement of this data.
Ethical questions are raised due to the secondary use of user data collected by
social media platforms. The combination of user data and sophisticated
algorithms enables behavioural manipulation, political influence, and public
opinion formation. Maintaining user trust and protecting privacy in the digital
era requires tough rules, regular audits, and strong security measures.
Conclusion
The rise of social media has undeniably transformed our lives, but it has also
given rise to legal and cultural challenges. Regulating hate speech necessitates
a difficult balance between ensuring freedom of expression and preventing harm.
It advocates for the creation of comprehensive frameworks that equip platforms
to effectively handle hate speech while simultaneously protecting individuals'
rights and fostering diversity.
Similarly, dealing with the privacy issues of social media data collection
necessitates a proactive approach to ensure transparency, informed consent, and
strong security measures. Individuals' trust in social media platforms can be
increased by promoting appropriate data practises, resulting in a healthier
online environment.
As lawyers and politicians cope with these concerns, it is critical to stimulate
debate, engage in multidisciplinary collaboration, and develop legislative
frameworks to keep up with the quickly changing world of social media. By doing
so, we may maximise the potential benefits of social media while reducing its
legal problems and ensuring individuals' rights and well-being in the digital
era.
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