Experts assert that social media companies prioritize profit over promoting global freedom of expression, despite their claims.
Lorcan Neill from North Carolina University pointed to the EU’s Digital Services Act, which mandates transparency in how social media algorithms operate and present content. He noted a similar incident in Brazil, where billionaire Elon Musk initially resisted government demands but ultimately complied for commercial reasons, leading to the reinstatement of X in the country.
Neill explained that these platforms are private entities driven by algorithms focused on advertising and revenue generation.
Michael Bossetta, a political and data scientist at Lund University, emphasized that while social media companies must adhere to local laws, their primary goal remains profit maximization. He described these platforms as powerful yet opaque, as their content filtering methods are often difficult to understand.
Jennifer Stromer-Galley, a social media expert at Syracuse University, advocated for government regulation of these platforms to create a healthier social environment essential for democracy. She highlighted the active role of social media executives in political lobbying and campaign activities, often conducted behind the scenes.
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