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VOL. 7, ISSUE 4 (2025)
Safeguarding freedom of expression in the digital age: A legal analysis of AI-driven social media content moderation and its implications for criminal law in India
Authors
Pooja Raj
Abstract
In India’s vibrant digital landscape, where
millions voice their thoughts on social media, the right to free speech faces a
thrilling yet complex challenge: AI-driven content moderation. This research
dives into the captivating interplay between safeguarding freedom of expression
and the algorithms that shape what we see online, exploring their ripple
effects on criminal law. As social media platforms harness AI to sift through
posts, they often stumble, silencing voices through overzealous filtering or
biased decisions, sparking debates about censorship and privacy. These missteps
can trigger criminal complaints, casting a shadow over open discourse and
raising the stakes for users navigating this virtual world. With the Supreme
Court stepping in to champion free expression, recent rulings illuminate the
path toward balancing digital innovation with democratic values. This study
uncovers how AI’s rapid decisions, sometimes too quick to judge, can clash with
the right to speak freely, while also exposing users’ personal data to risks
that blur into criminal investigations. Through a fresh legal lens, it examines
the tension between curbing harmful content and preserving the spirited
exchange of ideas that defines India’s online culture. The research paints a
vivid picture of a digital age where technology and law must dance in harmony,
proposing bold reforms to ensure AI serves as a guardian, not a gatekeeper, of
free speech. By advocating for transparent algorithms and robust privacy
protections, it envisions a future where Indians can express themselves
fearlessly, without the looming threat of legal repercussions. This exploration
offers a compelling narrative for scholars and policymakers eager to shape a
digital India that celebrates both freedom and fairness, inviting readers to
join the quest for a truly open online world.
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Pages:158-162
How to cite this article:
Pooja Raj "Safeguarding freedom of expression in the digital age: A legal analysis of AI-driven social media content moderation and its implications for criminal law in India". International Journal of Law, Policy and Social Review, Vol 7, Issue 4, 2025, Pages 158-162
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