Key Moments Shaped by Social Media Regulation, Privacy Concerns, and Free Speech Debates
In 2021, the tension between technology and politics reached unprecedented levels, with debates surrounding social media regulation, free speech, censorship, and data privacy taking center stage. These issues have defined the past year, impacting the way we interact with technology on a global scale.
One of the most significant moments came following the storming of the US Capitol on January 6. Supporters of former president Donald Trump, who was accused of inciting the violence, found themselves at the center of a debate over social media’s role in the event. As a result, several major platforms permanently banned Trump, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse about the power and responsibility of tech companies.
