Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg called for government regulation to meet the challenges of “harmful content, election integrity, privacy and data portability,” in a Washington Post op-ed on March 30. In the piece, Zuckerberg stated that he was advocating for more government regulation of online content.
On one hand, he acknowledged that Big Tech’s approach to the free speech/”hate speech” debate has been problematic, observing that “we have too much power over speech.” On the other hand, Zuckerberg touted the fact that Facebook is working with the French officials to assess content review systems, which in their recent Article 13 ban on memes, is worrisome to free speech advocates.
“I believe we need a more active role for governments and regulators,” he wrote
“By updating the rules for the internet, we can preserve what’s best about it — the freedom for people to express themselves and for entrepreneurs to build new things — while also protecting society from broader harms.”
His approach to freedom of speech was one that simultaneously appeared friendly but sinister to those who have been paying attention. “Facebook gives everyone a way to use their voice, and that creates real benefits — from sharing experiences to growing movements. As part of this, we have a responsibility to keep people safe on our services.” The idea of safety on the internet is a fraught topic, considering how some see the safety from offensive ideas and critique as vital as physical safety itself. He also directly addressed his website’s role in “deciding what counts as terrorist propaganda, hate speech and more,” while acknowledging “we’ll always make mistakes and decisions that people disagree with.”
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While he first said a talking point that would reassure conservative free speech advocates by saying “Lawmakers often tell me we have too much power over speech, and frankly I agree.” He followed this up by announcing the creation of an “independent body so people can appeal our decisions.” This seems like a fresh change of pace at first glance up until he mentions “We’re also working with governments, including French officials, on ensuring the effectiveness of content review systems.”
In November of this past year Newsbusters reported that the French government issued the “Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace” as part of a wide initiative to combat cyberattacks, foreign meddling, and “hate speech.” That same month, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that French regulators will be given access to Facebook’s content moderation in 2019 and oversee their campaign against “hate speech.”
The Verge observed that these European regulators will have the inside scoop on how Facebook officials remove content that ”may discriminate against or target minority groups or others based on gender, sexuality, or religion.”
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