Leiden University Student Repository

Couratin, Felix (2024)

Freedom vs. Democracy: The Normative Dilemma of Social Media Restrictions in Europe

Bachelor thesis | Politicologie (BSc)

This thesis examines the link between social media and democratic backsliding in Europe, highlighting a paradox in European norms that allows democratic backsliding through social media platforms. Analyzing data from 2000 to 2024, it explores the roles of governments, populations, European institutions, and social media companies. The central question is whether current social media restrictions aimed at protecting democracy are justified. The study addresses the normative clash between freedom of expression and democratic integrity, questioning which should prevail. It also considers whether the EU can normatively and legally regulate social media to counteract autocracy. The thesis posits that current social media restrictions undermine freedom of speech and are overly restrictive, challenging their justification. This research aims to clarify the EU's authority to limit social media and its impact on upholding democratic norms.

social media

regulations

democratic backsliding

Commission

European law

Author

Couratin, Felix

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Supervisors

Theuns, T.

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en