Publication date: 29.05.2024
Legal regulation of Internet platforms and social networks
Introduction
Internet platforms and social networks have become an integral part of modern society, being used for communication, entertainment, business and information exchange. However, their rapid development gives rise to numerous legal challenges, including privacy, data protection, anti-disinformation and content regulation. This article examines the main aspects of legal regulation of Internet platforms and social networks at the international and national levels.
International regulation
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
The European Union has adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to ensure a high level of protection for users' personal data. The main provisions of the GDPR include:
- Data processing principles: lawfulness, fairness, transparency, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity and confidentiality.
- Rights of data subjects: right to access data, right to rectification, right to erasure (right to be forgotten), right to restrict processing, right to data portability.
- Responsibilities of data controllers: ensuring transparency, implementing technical and organizational measures, appointing data protection officers (DPOs). You may be interested in the following articles: legal advice, legal advice, legal analysis of documents, legal analysis of the situation, written advice, verification of documents by a lawyer, lawyers documents, online legal assistance, online lawyer, legal opinion, legal opinion of a lawyer, lawyer online.
Directive on electronic commerce
The EU Directive on Electronic Commerce (2000/31/EC) establishes the legal framework for the provision of information society services in the EU. It provides for:
- Responsibilities of service providers: providing information about themselves and their services, ensuring the security of transactions.
- Limitation of liability: limitation of liability of Internet platforms for illegal content posted by users (under certain conditions).
A platform for the protection of intellectual property rights
Various international organizations, including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), work to protect intellectual property rights on the Internet. This includes combating piracy, illegal distribution of content, and copyright infringement.
National regulation
Ukrainian legislation
In Ukraine, the legal regulation of Internet platforms and social networks is based on a number of laws and regulations, including:
- Law of Ukraine "On Personal Data Protection": defines the procedure for processing, storing and protecting personal data.
- The Law of Ukraine "On Information": establishes the basic principles of information activity, rights and obligations of subjects of information relations.
- The Law of Ukraine "On Electronic Communications": regulates the operation of electronic communication networks and services, including security and privacy issues.
Regulating content and combating disinformation
Ukraine is actively working to counter disinformation and illegal content on the Internet. This includes:
- Laws and regulations on countering disinformation: aimed at preventing the spread of fake news and manipulative content.
- Cooperation with international organizations: participation in programs of the EU and other international organizations to improve media literacy and combat disinformation.
Consumer protection legislation:
To enforce the law and detect violations of rules in the field of Internet platforms and social networks, states usually use such tools as:
Monitoring and analysis: continuous monitoring of content and user activity to detect inappropriate or harmful content.
Reporting mechanisms: enabling users to report inappropriate or illegal content, as well as violations of the platform's rules.
Legal measures: application of legal measures against individuals or organizations that violate the legislation on Internet platforms and social networks;
Filtering technology: the use of technology to automatically detect and block inappropriate or harmful content;
Conclusion.
The legal regulation of Internet platforms and social networks is an important aspect of ensuring the rights and safety of users, as well as regulating the Internet environment in general;
International and national laws and regulations establish rules for data protection, anti-disinformation, content regulation, and other aspects of online platforms and social networks.
Effective legal regulation contributes to the creation of a safe and trustworthy Internet environment for users around the world;
