Striking a balance between disinformation on social media platforms and freedom of expression in the European Union

Abstract

The growing influence and adverse effects of disinformation on social media platforms have already presented challenges not only to the European Union and its Member States but also to social media platforms and human rights activists. One of the most crucial challenges from a legal perspective has been finding the appropriate tools to regulate disinformation while preserving the right to freedom of speech, bearing in mind that there is no uniform definition of disinformation on a global level. While there are notable attempts to limit the spread of disinformation on social media platforms from the European Commission and the various Member States, this thesis aims to analyse their effectiveness and compliance with human rights standards. The non-existence of a uniform definition of disinformation has resulted in these mechanisms being too broad, not effective as predicted, and notably endangering the freedom of speech.