• Adv. Riddhi Chaudhary Bajaj

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects the freedom of speech, by its proclamation in the year 1948 at United Nations General Assembly wherein it recognised freedom of expression as a fundamental right. This right has been echoing in world-wide democratic values. Today’s digitalisation is in fact an extension to these rights, wherein, it is witnessed that social media platforms are playing a crucial role in expressing self and putting forth one’s opinions. As the digital era shifts the world societies to a single global community there is an increase of free speech in the virtual space. Perhaps this increases free speech has resulted in an increase in content regulation practices which has led to a debate over the balance between moderation and censorship. This paper critically examines global instances where content control measures on social media have led to the violation of freedom of speech – such as content takedowns and arbitrary suspensions, with key attention to corporate policies, law of the land and any governmental pressures that influence these regulatory practices, often undermining the UDHR’s principles. Further, this paper delves into the recent content moderation – community-driven systems and community notes, which aims to protect freedom of speech and user accountability. The analysis assesses how these collaborative models may either reinforce or undermine the foundational right to freedom of speech, while balancing the need to curb misinformation and harmful content. This paper aims to highlight the potential conflicts and resolutions in maintaining the integrity of free expression in the digital age by studying restrictive content policies with the principles enshrined in Art 19. Furthermore, this paper is a call for harmonizing digital freedom with accountability, ensuring the digital sphere remains a space for diverse voices without compromising human rights.

Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Expression, Social Media, UDHR, Twitter, Meta and X

"Content Regulation of Social Media: A Phenomenon of Violation of Freedom of Speech", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no.143-150, March-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRGT06011.pdf

"Content Regulation of Social Media: A Phenomenon of Violation of Freedom of Speech", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no. pp143-150, March-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRGT06011.pdf