Facts and Where to Find Them: Empirical Research on Internet Platforms and Content Moderation

Keller, Daphne; Leerssen, Paddy

Facts and Where to Find Them: Empirical Research on Internet Platforms and Content Moderation

Forthcoming, N. Persily & J. Tucker, Social Media and Democracy: The State of the Field and Prospects for Reform (Cambridge University Press)

46 Pages Posted: 9 Jan 2020

See all articles by Daphne Keller

Daphne Keller

Stanford Cyber Policy Center, Freeman Spogli Institute

Paddy Leerssen

University of Amsterdam, Institute for Information Law (IViR)

Date Written: December 16, 2019

Abstract

Reliable information about platforms’ content removal systems was, for many years, hard to come by. But data and disclosures are steadily emerging as researchers focus on the topic and platforms ramp up their transparency measures, including both self-regulatory efforts as well as disclosures required by law. This essay reviews the current and likely future sources of information. First, we discuss disclosures from platforms and other participants in content moderation, such as users and governments. Second, we discuss independent research from third parties such as academics and journalists, including data analysis, interviews and surveys. Finally, before concluding the essay, we list specific questions and areas for future empirical research.

Keywords: social media, platforms, content moderation, transparency

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Keller, Daphne and Leerssen, Paddy, Facts and Where to Find Them: Empirical Research on Internet Platforms and Content Moderation (December 16, 2019). Forthcoming, N. Persily & J. Tucker, Social Media and Democracy: The State of the Field and Prospects for Reform (Cambridge University Press), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3504930