In today’s world where people cannot control their urge to engage with technologies, content moderation has become one of the most important tasks.
Bloggers, vloggers, and social media influencers who create content should educate themselves on the general legal requirements of content moderation to ensure the protection of viewers. This article will explore legal aspects of content moderation that include complying with the law, addressing copyright issues, and protecting the user’s right to privacy.
To avoid legal issues with distributed content, content creators must deal with numerous legal requirements in their country and other countries.
The main law governing content moderation is Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (CDA) in the United States.
Under this law, online platforms are protected from legal consequences for user-generated content, giving them the freedom to regulate content without legal consequences. However, this protection is neither absolute nor comprehensive.
Content creators must comply with laws regarding hate speech, defamation or the promotion of illegal activities.
In the European Union, there are platforms regulated by the Digital Services Act (DSA) that impose higher requirements on content moderation.
In addition, it obliges companies to report on content moderation activities, forces them to remove prohibited materials as soon as possible, and provides for fines for doing so. It shows that knowing these regulations and complying with them can save content creators enormous legal problems and penalties.
Copyright infringement is a major problem for content creators. Unlawful use can result in legal action, penalties, and banning your profile from working on the Internet. In the United States, issues related to copyright on the Internet are regulated by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
Under the DMCA, content creators must promptly respond to copyright infringement notices and remove the infringing content. However, there are exceptions, commonly referred to as “fair use,” which allows a person to use copyrighted material in cases where they are, for example, commenting on it, criticizing it, or even using it for educational purposes.
Understanding what constitutes “fair use” can be a bit complicated and it might be wise to consult an attorney to avoid legal hurdles.
Additionally, most websites, such as YouTube and Facebook, have their own policies regarding copyright and have even developed special algorithms to prevent and combat cases of piracy. It is therefore important to familiarize yourself with these policies to ensure that you do not unknowingly violate any of them.
Protecting user privacy is another important aspect of content moderation. With increasing concerns about data leaks and privacy breaches, content creators must make protecting their audience’s personal information a top priority.
The United States has drafted the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, also abbreviated as DMCA, to determine how to deal with copyright infringement on the Internet.
The DMCA requires content producers to promptly respond to cease and desist notices and remove any infringing materials from their websites. If your content includes online product review work, be cautious of copyright infringement. Make sure your reviews comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) to avoid legal trouble.
In the US, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants similar rights to California residents, emphasizing transparency and user control over personal information. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in heavy fines and reputational damage.
Therefore, it is important to implement strict privacy policies and measures to protect the privacy of your audience.
The Pew Research Center report shows that social media use is widespread in the United States, with up to 69 percent of respondents saying that effective content moderation can be beneficial for user safety and compliance with legal requirements.
The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) reports that GDPR-related fines reached €158.5 million in the first half of 2023, underscoring the financial risks of non-compliance.
Global copyright infringement is reported to cost the creative industry over $250 billion annually, underscoring the need for content creators to be vigilant when faced with copyright issues.
In addition, a study by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the UK found that 84 percent of people are concerned about how their data is used online, highlighting the growing importance of user privacy.
In summary, it is crucial for content creators to understand the legal aspects of content moderation.
By complying with regulations, handling copyright issues responsibly, and protecting user privacy, creators can build a trustworthy and legally compliant online presence. Staying up to date with the latest legal developments and seeking professional advice when necessary can help you navigate the complexities of content moderation and avoid potential pitfalls.
