Shifting Liability from Users to Online Service Provider Platforms
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59022/iijcl.4Keywords:
Platform Liability, Algorithmic Accountability, Online Service Providers, Content Moderation, Digital Governance, Intermediary Immunity, Transparency RequirementsAbstract
Online platforms increasingly shape public discourse through sophisticated algorithmic content curation systems. Legal frameworks still treat platforms as neutral intermediaries despite substantial algorithmic influence. This research examines how liability could shift from users to online service providers. Current laws lack clear criteria distinguishing passive hosting from active content promotion. Victims face limited remedies challenging platforms for algorithmically amplified harmful content spread. Regulatory divergence across countries complicates achieving consistent global platform accountability standards. This study analyzes existing legal frameworks, identifying significant gaps in algorithmic accountability. Findings reveal outdated immunity standards, insufficient transparency, and disproportionate impacts on smaller platforms. This research proposes reallocating liability based on demonstrated algorithmic curation and amplification behavior. Such reallocation would strengthen victim protection, transparency, and proportionate platform accountability standards. The study offers practical recommendations for policymakers, courts, and platform companies. This framework connects fragmented legal and regulatory domains, addressing modern digital governance challenges comprehensively.
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