OPINION: The social network challenge

We live in a world dominated by social networks, which work simultaneously as technological platforms and media. Facebook is perhaps the most influential social network of the planet, and its commercial domain is almost total in its market.

The questions about the company’s practices and its vulnerability to manipulation by political or economic interests, predisposes it to be criticized for the power that that influence exerts on society. Social networks need more transparency and to exercise more commitment to self-regulation to avoid becoming platforms of hate and disinformation.

It is not easy to do it, since there must be a presumption in favor of freedom of expression and information and against censorship.

Just as water with chlorine contributes to health, chlorine alone is toxic to life. Likewise, social networks managed responsibly are vital to the world’s democracies, but if they are dominated by  fanaticism, false news they  will end up poisoning societies. That’s the challenge Now is the  time to act … LA PRENSA, Mar. 20.

I