RightsCon Tunis 2019

Digital technologies and online platforms have provided space and tools for more diverse voices and viewpoints to be heard. They have also amplified risks, including to exposure diversity by algorithmically filtering and personalising news on offer, and of disinformation and hate speech due to the viral potential of the network. Globally, different regulatory, co-regulatory and self-regulatory initiatives are attempting to combat these threats. Many of them have faced criticism for entrusting private companies with responsibilities to police online speech, without timely public auditing and an efficient appeal mechanism. Often it is very difficult, if at all possible, to unilaterally decide whether or not certain content should be categorised as illegal, intended to deceive, or fall under the protection of freedom of expression. So far, the role of media authorities has been very limited if at all visible in relation to the above-mentioned challenges. This session aims to understand whether the existing media authorities are capable and well positioned to take over a challenging task of monitoring platform behaviour when it comes to free speech and pluralism? Or do we need a specific multidisciplinary authority to perform this role?