In her dissertation thesis, Amélie Heldt asks whether information intermediaries such as social networks are or should be bound by freedom of expression when they moderate users' posts and comments. Based on a constitutional, comparative and interdisciplinary analysis, she advocates a more intensive third-party effect of freedom of expression.
The 320-page thesis was published by Mohr Siebeck in April 2023 and is available as open access.
Summary
The moderation of user-generated content in digital discussion spaces goes hand in hand with important, fundamental rights sensitive decisions. In particular, it focuses on the realisation of freedom of expression. From a constitutional law perspective, the central question therefore arises as to the scope of a fundamental rights obligation of private actors. Traditionally, reference is made to the doctrine of indirect third-party effect of fundamental rights, which has always been controversially discussed. Amélie Heldt addresses the framework conditions of communication in digital public spheres, examines the process of content moderation from a constitutional, comparative law and interdisciplinary perspective and proposes a fine-tuning of the doctrine of indirect third-party effect.
Heldt, A. (2023): Intensivere Drittwirkung: Die mittelbare Drittwirkung der Meinungsfreiheit in Öffentlichkeiten der digitalen Gesellschaft. Eine verfassungsrechtliche, rechtsvergleichende und interdisziplinäre Analyse [Intensifying Third-Party Effect: The Indirect Third-Party Effect of Freedom of Expression in Public Spheres of the Digital Society. A Constitutional, Comparative and Interdisciplinary Analysis]. Tübingen: Mohr Siebek. DOI 10.1628/978-3-16-161940-3
Hamburg, 9 March 2023
