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Social Media Regulation: What Platforms Must Know Now

In an age of increasing digital polarization, users around the world are calling for more regulation on social media. A recent survey by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the University of Oxford, involving over 13,500 participants across ten countries, reveals: the majority of people want platforms to actively combat hate speech and misinformation—challenging the narrative promoted by many tech leaders.

Safety over unrestricted free speech

Although platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Meta have recently relaxed content moderation in favor of broader free speech, many users view this critically. Globally, 79% support the removal of calls to violence. Support is highest in Germany, Brazil, and Slovakia, each with 86%. Even in the U.S., where freedom of speech is a deeply held value, 63% favor such measures.

Only 14% believe violent posts should remain online to allow for counter-speech. Just 17% think offensive content targeting specific groups should be considered legitimate criticism. In the U.S., that share is highest at 29%, while Brazil shows the lowest support at 9%.

Across all countries, people lean toward platforms that prioritize protection from digital violence and deception over complete freedom of expression.

source: pixabay.com

No global consensus on who is responsible

One of the most revealing findings of the study concerns responsibility for creating a safer online space:

In Germany, 37% believe the state should take a more active role, compared to just 14% in Slovakia. Sweden leads with 39% of respondents seeing users as primarily responsible, while only 17% of Germans agree.

This wide range of attitudes underscores how cultural, political, and legal traditions shape public expectations—and how difficult global regulation truly is.

A dangerous trend of resignation

Despite widespread support for moderation, many users have resigned themselves to online hostility: 59% believe exposure to hate and intolerance is unavoidable. 65% expect aggressive comments when expressing their opinions online. In South Africa, this number rises to 81%, and in the U.S. to 73%.

Professor Yannis Theocharis of TUM warns that this “normalization effect” slowly erodes social norms and fuels the mainstreaming of hate speech. A clear mandate for action—by platforms and policymakers alike.

What this means for eCommerce companies

For eCommerce players, these findings carry two key takeaways:

  1. Strengthen trust: Brands should actively support safer online spaces—not just on their own platforms, but also where they advertise or engage with users.

  2. Rethink community management: In a toxic digital environment, clear moderation guidelines and transparent positioning can be a powerful competitive advantage.

Conclusion: Platforms must take responsibility

Even in strong democracies, the majority of users want clearer boundaries online. The call for regulation is not a threat to free speech, but a demand for safety, trust, and fairness in digital spaces. For platform operators, marketers, and eCommerce professionals, this presents a timely opportunity to reposition themselves as transparent, ethical, and responsible players in the digital economy.