Algorithmic content moderation practices of social media platforms in terms of freedom of expression

The study focuses on examining the algorithmic content moderation practices of social media platforms in terms of freedom of expression. The aim of the study is to analyze the effects of these practices, which have become extremely important for communication and public discourse today, on freedom of expression on a normative basis and to provide recommendations to ensure that these practices comply with international human rights norms. In this context, the foundations of the human rights responsibilities of social media platform companies, which are private legal entities, have been examined, forming the intellectual basis for the analysis and recommendations to be made. Subsequently, using the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as the normative basis, the effects of the algorithmic tools, which are based on artificial intelligence technologies and used in content moderation practices, on freedom of expression were examined in terms of the criteria of legality, legitimate purpose, and necessity. Additionally, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights were analyzed concerning content moderation practices, and various solutions were proposed within the framework of these principles by identifying their strengths and weaknesses.