This text first appeared on Might 18, 2023 on CNN Enterprise Arabic in Arabic (hyperlink)
The fast development of social media platforms and their influence on trendy society has raised considerations about regulate these digital areas. Whereas some governments, comparable to the US with its RESTRICT Act, are pushing for bans on sure platforms, there are simpler and balanced approaches to think about. By adopting regulation just like the EU’s information privateness legal guidelines, selling media literacy, and acknowledging the constraints of bans, governments can defend each nationwide safety and particular person freedoms with out resorting to outright censorship.
One crucial level to think about earlier than delving in deeper, is that bans on social media platforms will be simply circumvented utilizing instruments like Digital Personal Networks (VPNs) and proxy servers. Through the use of these applied sciences, customers can bypass geographical restrictions and proceed to entry banned platforms. This makes bans not solely ineffective in addressing the core points but in addition doubtlessly counterproductive, as it might encourage customers to hunt much less safe and fewer regulated alternate options.
Moreover, platforms like TikTok have develop into necessary channels for residents to share their opinions and have interaction in public discourse. Limiting entry to those platforms for nationwide safety considerations creates a slippery slope which will trigger extra hurt than good. Curbing the flexibility of residents to specific themselves freely may stifle open dialogue and hinder the expansion of a wholesome, vibrant democracy.
In mild of those considerations, it’s price noting that Jordan is making ready to current its plan to manage social media platforms and take care of worldwide media corporations on the upcoming Arab Ministers of Data Council assembly in Rabat in June. This presents a chance for Jordan and different nations within the area to think about a extra balanced method to digital regulation that prioritizes information privateness and media literacy over blanket bans.
Nonetheless, it is very important spotlight that the strategic plan consists of cooperation and coordination to make sure “honest” illustration of Arab-related content material on these platforms by programming algorithms to show or cover them. It is a worrying improvement, because it clearly states that the governments will alter social community algorithms to censor content material en-masse. Such actions may doubtlessly undermine the rules of free speech, additional emphasizing the necessity for a extra balanced method to digital regulation.
As an alternative of outright bans, regulators ought to give attention to addressing breaches by social networks like TikTok. Making certain that platforms adhere to strong information privateness legal guidelines and penalizing them for non-compliance could be a simpler solution to defend customers’ privateness and nationwide safety. The European Union’s Normal Information Safety Regulation (GDPR) supplies a complete framework for safeguarding customers’ privateness and information. By implementing comparable laws, governments can be sure that social media platforms act responsibly and transparently on the subject of amassing and utilizing person information. These legal guidelines would require platforms to acquire express consent from customers earlier than processing their information, present clear explanations of how the information is used, and implement stringent safety measures to guard the information from breaches.
Along with adopting robust information privateness legal guidelines, governments ought to give attention to growing media literacy amongst their residents. With the rise of social media, the unfold of misinformation, disinformation, and faux information has develop into a major concern. By educating residents critically consider the data they encounter on-line, governments can assist to create a extra discerning and knowledgeable public.
Media literacy schooling ought to be built-in into college curriculums, guaranteeing that future generations develop up with the talents they should navigate the digital world responsibly. Moreover, public consciousness campaigns and grownup education schemes will be utilized to advertise media literacy among the many broader inhabitants.
By empowering residents to make knowledgeable selections concerning the content material they eat, the necessity for restrictive authorities intervention could also be lowered. Moreover, this method encourages a tradition of crucial considering, which is important for the event of a wholesome, vibrant democracy.
In conclusion, banning social media platforms is a shortsighted and doubtlessly dangerous resolution to the advanced points surrounding digital regulation. By acknowledging the constraints of bans and as an alternative specializing in regulating platforms’ breaches and adopting EU-style information privateness legal guidelines whereas investing in media literacy, governments can create a safer, clear, and knowledgeable digital panorama that advantages everybody. By fostering a tradition of belief and duty, governments can defend nationwide safety and particular person freedoms whereas selling innovation and competitors within the tech sector.
