Main goal of social media platforms is to make profit, not to promote freedom of expression: Experts

By Ayse Irem Tiryaki and Ecem Sahinli̇ Oguc

The primary goal of social media companies is to make a profit rather than to promote freedom of expression globally, contrary to their claims, according to experts.

Speaking to Anadolu, Lorcan Neill from North Carolina University cited the EU's Digital Services Act as an example, noting that this law compels social media companies to be transparent about how their algorithms function and how they present different content to users.

Neill pointed out that a similar situation occurred in Brazil, noting that billionaire Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, opposed the Brazilian government.

Ultimately, he said, Musk retreated for commercial purposes and complied with the demands of the Brazilian courts, which led to the reinstatement of X in the country.

As private companies, these platforms operate using algorithms based on advertising and revenue generation, Neill said.

Michael Bossetta, a political scientist and data scientist from Lund University, emphasized that social media companies are private companies, and will maximize profits as long as they comply with the law.

Bossetta pointed out that these companies have an obligation to comply with the laws of the countries in which they operate.

The same applies to the EU, he said, adding that EU regulations set the standards, and companies face fines if they do not comply and this is how the law operates in any private business.

Describing social media platforms as silent but powerful entities, Bossetta said that they are both invisible and highly effective.

They are invisible because it is very difficult to understand the methods they use to filter content reaching users, he added.

Bossetta said that everything is determined by algorithms, which are built upon each other and that is why it is challenging to see a clear line from the user creating content to the end user seeing that content.

On the other hand, Jennifer Stromer-Galley, a social media expert from Syracuse University, advocates for government regulation of social media companies.

She believes that these platforms need government regulations to help foster a healthy social environment and this is essential for the future of the democracy.

Stromer-Galley noted that social media companies and their executives have actively participated in political campaigns, emphasizing that lobbying and campaign activities have often been conducted behind the scenes.

*Writing by Muhammed Enes Calli in Istanbul