Industry Responses to the Malicious Use of Social Media

In November 2016, the idea that one of the world’s most sophisticated democracies could have been gamed by hostile states using social media platforms seemed ‘crazy’ to many people, not just Mark Zuckerberg. But as evidence continues to emerge, whether from FBI investigations, disclosures by whistle-blowers, or digitally-distributed disinformation campaigns in other countries, an uncomfortable picture takes shape—Silicon Valley’s leading technology platforms have found themselves at the centre of a perfect storm.

What have social media companies done to combat the malicious use of their platforms? What do the leading players’ initiatives tell us about their coping strategies? How are their actions supported by their current terms and policies? And have there been any substantial policy changes as a result of the proliferation of malicious use of social media?