Content Moderation

CDT has worked on content moderation and related issues, including intermediary liability and the role of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making systems, since its inception. In recent years, as interest in these topics has grown, CDT has continued to be a leader in both domestic and global conversations about the intersection of content moderation and transparency, accountability, and human rights. We collaborate with a variety of partners, including academics and advocates, through work such as the Santa Clara Principles. We also engage directly and one-on-one with tech companies and policymakers. Through these informal and formal engagements, we give input, shape policy, and successfully push for greater transparency around platform practices that impact user rights. We are also conducting research on the mechanics of content moderation at different platforms, and developing educational opportunities that bring the realities and challenges of content moderation to different audiences.

Recent Content

Graphic for CDT Research report, entitled "Moderating Tamil Content on Social Media." Illustration of a hand, with a variety of golden rings and bracelets on their wrist and fingers, seen pinching / holding on to a blue speech bubble with three dots indicating that someone is contemplating expressing themselves. A deep green background with a kolam pattern.

Moderating Tamil Content on Social Media

Graphic for CDT's podcast, entitled "CDT's Tech Talks." Hosted by Jamal Magby, and available on iTunes, Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn. Dark grey text and app logos, as well as light blue text, on a white background.

Tech Talk: Talking Tech with Mona Elswah & Emna Mizouni on Moderating Maghrebi Arabic Content on Social Media

White document on black background.

CDT’s Dr. Michal Luria Testifies Before Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee on “Protections for Users of Social Media” Bill

Graphic for CDT Research report, entitled "The Kids Are Online." Grey background, with purple, orange, and blue gradient bars underlying black text.

The Kids are Online: Research-Driven Insights on Child Safety Policy

The CDT logo. A white "cdt" alongside "Center for Democracy & Technology" on a black background.

Online Censorship Isn’t New – Neither Are Efforts to Evade It

Logos of participating organizations in the letter; in order, American Association of People with Disabilities, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, Center for Democracy & Technology, Common Cause, GLAAD, Human Rights Campaign, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Muslim Public Affairs Council, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., National Black Justice Collective, National Fair Housing Alliance, National Urban League.

Letter from Meta Civil Rights Advisory Group Members on Grave Concerns with Content Policy Changes

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