The Erosion of Content Moderation: How Tech Companies Are Reshaping Political Discourse
March 5, 2025 | Social media and Democracy: Can We Reclaim a Common Truth?
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, Michael Posner, Director of the Center for Business and Human Rights at NYU’s Stern School of Business and former Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor under the Obama Administration, shared his insights on the growing challenges of content moderation in the digital age. In his new book, Conscience Incorporated: Pursue Profits While Protecting Human Rights, Posner argues that businesses, particularly tech companies, can balance financial success with ethical responsibility. However, in the current political climate, major social media platforms are moving away from content moderation, allowing disinformation and extremist rhetoric to thrive.
The Rise and Retreat of Tech Companies in Content Moderation
Following the 2016 election and the widespread concern over Russian interference, companies like Meta and Google took steps to address disinformation. They developed fact-checking initiatives and hired independent entities to assess content accuracy. Meta, for example, partnered with 90 organizations, including The Associated Press, to evaluate information circulating on its platforms.
However, after the 2020 election, the tide shifted. With Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter (now X) in 2022 and his drastic reduction of content moderation staff, other platforms began rolling back their own policies. Meta, following Musk’s lead, abandoned its content oversight in favor of “Community Notes,” a decentralized fact-checking system. The justification for these changes? Free speech. Tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg argue that content moderation stifles open discourse, but Posner contends that this shift has only fueled political polarization and extremism.
How Deregulation Fuels Political Disinformation
According to Posner, social media companies are not merely neutral platforms; they actively shape political discourse through engagement-driven algorithms. These platforms thrive on controversy because emotionally charged content—especially fear-based and divisive rhetoric—keeps users engaged. The algorithms push this type of content to maximize advertising revenue.
This trend benefits certain political factions. Posner notes that conservative media outlets, such as Ben Shapiro’s The Daily Wire, have leveraged social media’s deregulation to amplify their messaging, often using oversimplified, emotionally charged narratives that dominate online discussions. The right’s disciplined approach to digital communication has given them a strategic advantage over Democrats, who often rely on more nuanced, policy-heavy messaging that struggles to compete in the fast-paced social media landscape.
The Consequences of a Digital Free-for-All
The retreat from content moderation is already having significant consequences. Without oversight, platforms have become breeding grounds for conspiracy theories, misinformation about public health, and politically motivated falsehoods. The erosion of digital accountability has also led to a resurgence of online harassment, hate speech, and extremist recruitment.
One of the most pressing concerns is the impact on democracy. Posner warns that unchecked disinformation skews political debates, erodes trust in institutions, and ultimately undermines fair elections. Social media played a major role in fueling the January 6th Capitol riot, and with the 2024 election cycle underway, experts fear that a lack of oversight will further destabilize political discourse.
Is Regulation the Answer?
With the U.S. government largely absent from regulating big tech, Posner looks to Europe for potential solutions. The European Union’s Digital Services Act, which mandates transparency in algorithmic decision-making and requires companies to remove harmful content, could serve as a model for addressing digital disinformation.
Posner believes that while social media platforms must uphold free speech, they also bear a responsibility to prevent the spread of dangerous falsehoods. Transparency, accountability, and responsible AI-driven moderation could help restore balance. However, without external pressure—either from regulatory bodies or public demand—social media companies are unlikely to change course.
The Path Forward
Despite the challenges, Posner remains cautiously optimistic. He acknowledges that reversing the current trajectory will take time, but he sees potential in growing public awareness and international regulatory efforts. As social media continues to shape modern political discourse, the question remains: Will tech companies prioritize democracy over profit, or will they continue down the path of digital chaos?
As we approach another critical election season, the responsibility lies not just with policymakers and tech executives but also with everyday users. Being vigilant about the information we consume, supporting ethical platforms, and demanding greater transparency from tech giants are steps we can all take to combat the growing tide of disinformation.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.