The Practice of Shadowbanning on Online Platforms
The Tension between EU Platform Regulation and Data Protection Law
Abstract
Restricting access to content posted by users on online platforms and demoting the visibility of user accounts are less conspicuous but all the more effective forms of content moderation. However, the failure to inform users of any restrictions affecting them (shadowbanning) fundamentally violates the DSA’s obligation to provide justification and the GDPR’s principle of transparency. This study examines the limited body of European regulatory and judicial practice to outline the requirements regarding the legality and transparency of online platforms’ shadowbanning practices.
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