Everything in Moderation

Trends and Challenges for online communities from public forums to end-to-end encrypted communication 

Encrypted messaging applications such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are now widely adopted. The use of end-to-end (E2E) encryption creates spaces to ensure that users can communicate privately to allow only yourself and the person you’re communicating to read or listen to what is sent. Whilst protecting the privacy of users, E2E encryption on these applications presents challenges around identifying and dealing with misinformation and harmful content.  

This project will partner with the Internet Society to examine present-day and future challenges for moderation of online content across the spectrum of what is seen to be public or private communication. Outputs will include best practice resources and co-created solutions for how moderation of E2E online spaces can be designed and regulated. 

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is a priority for this project. In addition to bi-monthly RRI meetings and regular advisory group sessions, contributions to controversial debates surrounding E2E encryption, platform management and regulation will be made. 

Introduction blog, Presentation to Advisory Group, Cyberspace Conference Nov 2022 Abstract, mid blog, final blog

Start date 1 May 2022 – 30 April 2023 

This project sits with Horizon’s Agile programme (Round 2)