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Transparency & Accountability

Content moderation does not and cannot work in a vacuum. Without transparent rules that online platforms can be held accountable for, many communities that host user-generated content would simply fail. CDT works to ensure that policies are accessible to users, that companies and governments protect and respect user rights, and that platforms have mechanisms in place to offer meaningful opportunities for appeal and redress. Along with partners in civil society and academia, we drafted the Santa Clara Principles on Transparency and Accountability in Content Moderation, a set of best practices for online platforms that host user-generated content. In the short time since they were published, the Santa Clara Principles — along with CDT’s larger body of related work — have become central to conversations happening on the Hill, in Silicon Valley, and in Europe concerning content moderation.

Recent Content

Context and Periodic Evaluations of Moderation Systems Are Necessary to Determine When the Phrase "From the River to the Sea" Violates Meta's Policies Regarding Hate Speech and Violence. White document on a grey background.

Context and Periodic Evaluations of Moderation Systems Are Necessary to Determine When the Phrase “From the River to the Sea” Violates Meta’s Policies Regarding Hate Speech and Violence

EU AI Act Brief–Pt. 3, Freedom of Expression. Dark purple gradient background, white and yellow text.

EU AI Act Brief – Pt. 3, Freedom of Expression

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CDT Joins Article 19 In Calling For Indian Authorities to Uphold Freedom of Expression During Election

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EU Tech Policy Brief: Spring 2024 Edition

The CDT logo. A white "cdt" alongside "Center for Democracy & Technology" on a light blue background.

Context Before Code: Meta’s Oversight Board Policy Advisory Opinion on the Word “Shaheed” Calls for Language and Cultural Nuance in Content Moderation

Graphic for CDT's European office. Pale blue / green pixelated background, with a portion of the EU flag's circle of stars emblazoned in white on top.

EU Tech Policy Brief: March 2024

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