Platforms have power. But this power is not unchecked. Governments have an important role to play in protecting their citizens’ rights vis-à-vis third parties and ensuring a communication order in which rights are not violated. This collection unites studies by researchers from across Europe within the Global Digital Human Rights Networks on the best human rights practices of platforms.Spanning from studies on the tools and vectors of online power to hate speech and discrimination, the authors discuss the normative and algorithmic approaches of platforms to the governance of information flows online and their impact on human rights. As best practices authors identify the recognition of infrastructure control as a lever of power, the reduction of discriminatory practices, a stronger commitment to the rule of law on platforms, the introduction of deliberative elements and the introduction of normative sandboxes to help platforms and regulators innovate.
