SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS INTERSECTIONS WITH FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND EXPRESSION: AN ANALYSIS OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS.

Best Citation – Sapresh Devidas, SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS INTERSECTIONS WITH FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND EXPRESSION: AN ANALYSIS OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, 3 IJLR 16, 2022

ABSTRACT

Today, there is increasing debate about the impact of social media on society, especially its potential negative effects. Social media has become an essential communication tool through which individuals can exercise their right to freedom of expression and exchange information and ideas. However, freedom of speech and expression does not grant citizens the right to speak or publish without responsibility, and the legislature can make laws that limit the right to speech and expression for several reasons. Social media is also open to abuse as several cyber-crimes can be easily committed through social media. This gives the state the right to regulate online content in the interest of the general public, the necessity of which cannot be denied. We begin to analyse social networking sites and the role and development of social media since its inception at the beginning of the 21st century, pointing out its positive aspects. Current research therefore focuses primarily on the intersections of social media and basic freedoms, i.e., freedom of speech and expression. This research highlights some issues such as censorship, limits to freedom of expression, misinformation, diversity of sources, visions and opinions, user content and privacy etc. Finally, the researcher suggests some solutions to combat these problems.

Key Words: social media, Fundamental freedoms, Free speech, Restrictions, Malpractices, India.