The platform governance triangle: conceptualising the informal regulation of online content

doi:10.14763/2019.2.1407

Paper

The platform governance triangle: conceptualising the informal regulation of online content

Published Jun 30, 2019 · Robert Gorwa

Internet Policy Rev.

131

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6

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Abstract

From the new Facebook ‘Oversight Body’ for content moderation to the ‘Christchurch Call to eliminate terrorism and violent extremism online,’ a growing number of voluntary and non-binding informal governance initiatives have recently been proposed as attractive ways to rein in Facebook, Google, and other platform companies hosting user-generated content. Drawing on the literature on transnational corporate governance, this article reviews a number of informal arrangements governing online content on platforms in Europe, mapping them onto Abbott and Snidal’s (2009) ‘governance triangle’ model. I discuss three key dynamics shaping the success of informal governance arrangements: actor competencies, ‘legitimation politics,’ and inter-actor relationships of power and coercion.

Literature ReviewHighly Cited

Study Snapshot

Informal governance arrangements for online content on platforms in Europe are shaped by actor competencies, legitimacy politics, and power and coercion dynamics.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

The platform governance triangle: conceptualising the informal regulation of online content

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