Application of the “Diversity Principle” in Content Moderation

The promotion of diverse viewpoints has been the cornerstone of United States media policy over the last 100 years. In Nov 2018, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg published an article that delineated the algorithm that Facebook will use to disincentivize hate speech. Although Zuckerberg’s proposal is a laudable step for content moderation, it may be neglecting the value of exposing people to diverse views and competing sources of news. As we debate moderation issues, platforms should consider not only the prohibition of hate speech, but also the affirmative exposure to broader ideas and perspectives. The Federal Communications Commission’s implementation of the diversity principle on radio and TV offers some valuable lessons.

[Jane Lee is a policy fellow at Public Knowledge]