Disinformation and Legal Responsibility: Regulating Digital Speech Without Curtailing Dissent
Keywords:
disinformation, digital regulation, freedom of expression, dissent, platform governance, legal responsibility, speech moderationAbstract
This study aims to explore how legal systems and digital platforms can regulate disinformation in online environments without infringing upon the right to dissent and freedom of expression. A narrative review design using a descriptive analysis method was employed to examine international human rights instruments, national legal frameworks, landmark case law, and platform governance models related to disinformation regulation. Academic journal articles, legal documents, institutional reports, and policy papers published between 2020 and 2024 were selected through targeted database searches. The analysis focused on key themes such as the misuse of disinformation laws to suppress dissent, the role of digital platforms in moderating speech, and the legal ambiguities surrounding definitions of harm and intent. The study found that while many jurisdictions have developed legal tools to counteract disinformation, these tools often suffer from vagueness and overbreadth, creating risks for democratic dissent. International legal standards provide foundational protections for freedom of speech, but their domestic implementation varies, sometimes resulting in overregulation or abuse. Case studies reveal that anti-disinformation laws have been used in several countries to target journalists, activists, and political opponents. Moreover, global digital platforms play a central role in moderating content but often operate with insufficient transparency and accountability. The analysis also highlights the challenges of jurisdictional conflicts, definitional ambiguities, and the complexities of establishing legal responsibility in a decentralized digital space. Effective regulation of disinformation must strike a balance between mitigating informational harm and preserving democratic freedoms. Legal and platform-based approaches must be rooted in clear definitions, proportional measures, and independent oversight to prevent misuse and ensure accountability. Enhancing media literacy and civic engagement is also essential to building public resilience against disinformation while protecting the legitimacy of dissenting voices.
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