FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2021
TALLAHASSEE – A new report by The James Madison Institute’s Center for Technology and Innovation entitled “Deplatforming and Freedom: A Primer for Policy” examines the recent phenomenon of deplatforming by “Big Tech” and recommends several potential solutions.
In recent years, technological platforms have expanded content controls to limit or ban more speech online. Many worry that these controls may catch important speech in a too-broad net, which threatens our culture of free speech.
This is a technological issue, as most social media platforms are designed as centralized networks where administrators retain control over what content can be shared and with whom.
JMI’S report examines the differences between centralized and decentralized platforms and details the unique challenges faced by policymakers wanting to create policies that promote free speech online while continuing to foster innovation and digital self-determination.
Florida has been a leader in creating an environment where technologists and innovators can flourish. Continuing to welcome these communities to our state through policies designed to make it easier for them to build and experiment will encourage the kind of technological innovations that can capably address deplatforming.
“Legislators concerned about free speech online have a great opportunity to foster the decentralized technologies that provide true computing freedom at the root. Our study aims to illustrate the different ways that technology can overcome the deplatforming threat while bringing more innovation to the Sunshine State and the rest of the United States.” – Andrea O’Sullivan, Director of the Center for Technology and Innovation, The James Madison Institute
To read the full report, “Deplatforming and Freedom: A Primer for Policy,” click here.
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The James Madison Institute is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the ideals of limited government, economic freedom, federalism and individual liberty coupled with individual responsibility. The institute conducts research on such issues as criminal justice, health care, taxes and regulatory environments.
