Should social media companies be required to allow replies to posts by government officials and public bodies?
Social media platforms are private companies that set their own moderation rules, including on replies and blocking. UK law under the Online Safety Act 2023 requires large platforms to protect content of democratic importance and journalistic content from disproportionate removal. US courts have ruled that when government officials use social media for official purposes, the comment sections can become public forums where viewpoint-based blocking of replies may violate free speech protections. No UK law currently mandates that platforms must permit replies to official accounts.
8 Opinions
Don't see why not, it might help stop misinformation, or am I hoping for too much? As long as they don't swamp us with their campaigning, it could help them be more available.
People like Sadiq Khan who constantly won't allow comments on things they post are a disgrace. Of course there should be public discourse around what a Government official or politician says.
The requirement should be on government officials and public bodies not to prevent replies, rather than on the Sicial Media companies to prevent such behaviours
This is a good one! It p frustrates me that they can use these mechanisms to preach but they’re supposed to work for us, yet they mute us as if they’re dictators!
Blocking replies from posts is the ultimate form of cowardice. If you can't defend your own views they're clearly repugnant.
Social media not, publicly funded bodies and officials should to have such requirements in their policies or rules of conduct.
Hiding behind 'safety' to turn off comments is a pathetic shield for ministers terrified of accountability.
If the political class want to put their arguments forward via social media, they need to allow the public to discuss and debate.