SOCIAL MEDIA SUMMIT, 2021

Youth Online Universal ModelUnited Nations Presents:

SOCIAL MEDIA

SUMMIT, 2021

Study Guide

HEAD CHAIRCECILIA LOYOLA

VICE-CHAIRSARHAN CHHABARA &SOFIA COSTA FRANCO

YOUTH ONLINE UNIVERSAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS,

SEPTEMBER 10 TH - 12 TH 2021

Table of Contents

Letter from the Dais 3Committee Description 4Topic A 6Background Information 7Current Situation 11Bloc Positions 13Timeline of Events 16Definition of Key Terms 18Guiding Questions 20Resources for Further Research 21Bibliography 23Topic B 24

SOCIAL MEDIA SUMMIT, 2021 | PAGE 1



Background Information 25Current Situation 28Bloc Positions 30Timeline of Events 32Definition of Key Terms 33Guiding Questions 35Resources for Further Research 36Bibliography 38




LETTER FROM THE DAISDear Delegates of the Social Media Summit,

All three of us are beyond eager to welcome you into this inaugural edition of the Youth Online

Universal Model United Nations. Or, as you might be more familiar with, YOUMUN!

As implied by the very name of the conference, YOUMUN is about YOU, how you grow as

delegates, and are able to interact with your peers to reach diplomatic and effective solutions to some of

the world's most complex problems. Us here at the Technology Committee anticipate to be amazed by

your impressive skills, passionate speeches and unprecedented solutions, and aim to create, together, yet

another enriching and exciting MUN experience!

In a world that is constantly developing digitally, we thought there were few topics more relevant

to discuss than the intricacies of the technological world, and how some of the most infamous

technology companies have (or haven't!) handled them. Moreover, some of you shall also be representing

countries, exploring how these have responded to multiple crises. From data privacy, to censorship, to the

spread of misinformation, we are sure that you, delegates, will be knowledgeable on all these topics, and

will bring to life this evermore pressing and intriguing debate. We also hope these topics spark your

interest much like they have sparked ours, and that you greatly enjoy delving into their complexity and

thinking up innovative and effective solutions through means of collaboration, critical thinking and a

little creativity.

It is our intention that this guide provides the foundation to your research into these fascinating

themes and your stance upon them, so that you can come into the conference ready to give it your all! We

are tremendously keen to meet all delegates and simply cannot wait to share this unique and thrilling

experience with you. It is our deepest hope that during this conference you are able to learn something

from us, much like we are sure that we shall learn from all of you.

If any of you have any queries or concerns about the document, the committee or otherwise, do

not hesitate to contact us.

Enjoy the conference and all it has to offer!

Sincerely,

Cecilia Loyola

1

, Sofia Costa Franco

2

& Arhan Chhabra

3

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]


mailto:[email protected]



CommitteeDescription

Internet. Technology. Social Media. Entities that have never been more relevant, and have come to

both plague and greatly progress our modern society.

In this crisis committee, delegates will embody a myriad of different technology companies and

country representatives that have gathered to discuss a range of pressing issues within the world of tech

business. There will be a series of crises that lead to this general meeting. The first of which being that

Microsoft has been found colluding with Cambridge Analytica to sell private information to advertising

networks! Quite a crisis indeed, but that's not all! Twitter has also been found censoring free speech in

numerous nations at the request of their governments. Finally, Facebook has also been accused of failing

to moderate its platforms and stop the spread of one of the second most challenging pandemics currently

faced - misinformation. The company and country representatives have now gathered to discuss what on

earth has gone wrong! Those representing companies within which the crises have occurred will explain

the problem as well as measures they are implementing to ensure the issue does not repeat itself,

whereas company delegations shall fight to preserve their respective government's interests. In addition,

business delegations can draw up directives to modify their company policy and limit possibilities of

misuse of data.

There are many topics to consider during this enticing debate. The first which must be taken into

account is the matter of data privacy, and how various technology companies ensure that the personal

information of their users is protected. Data and information, be that our own or that of others, encircles

us at every minute in a technological world, and how we and our most trusted businesses manage it is

crucial.

In addition to that, another primary topic that will be delved into is the possibilities and limits of

censorship in relation to freedom of speech, and the ways in which this has been and is being managed

within digital platforms. Many have found their voice on the internet, and do not wish to see it restricted.

How can the interests of individual nations and businesses be balanced with allowing for the cultivation

of freedom of expression?

Finally, delegates of the Social Media Summit 2021, must be mindful of the issue of

misinformation which has unfortunately become ever more prevalent in this consistently developing

digital world. Delegates shall explore the means of moderating the spread of misleading or untrue facts




on social media, and henceforth will be capable of drawing many parallels between the topic and the

events we see unfold before our very eyes.

Delegates must consider these topics and embody their delegations to attempt to diplomatically

find solutions to these crises. And, rather than focus solely on the individual events that led to the

gathering, participants must also discuss the larger topics at hand that are coming to be on every modern

civilian's agenda.

The Social Media Summit will be following OAS procedure, but we highly encourage delegates to

not set an agenda at the start of this committee; instead, debate will encompass all the three topics above

and all can be discussed simultaneously as they are so interconnected. At the initiation of the conference,

the two of the crises related to the three topics that have been referenced previously will have occurred.

Based on the committee’s actions, these two crises will develop and new ones will be created as the

debate goes on. Let us know if you have any questions regarding procedure!

We hope to see fruitful debate taking place on the power of modern technology, how this affects

human life, and how it can be reconciled.




Topic A:Addressing the issue

of Data Privacy inrelation to

MultinationalCorporations

Image visually symbolizing the encryption of data, Forbes, Date Accessed: 16/07/21.


https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2018/12/19/data-privacy-vs-data-protection-understanding-the-distinction-in-defending-your-data/



BackgroundInformation

Questioning data privacy

With the ongoing development of technology and digital spaces, data and information continues

to invade our minds, whilst we ourselves deposit our own personal data onto various platforms. Some of

this data we intend to expose to the world, whereas much of it we intend to keep private, sharing only

with the corporations that lie behind the screens, those we believe we can trust. But… is our trust in

actual fact misplaced?

Defining data privacy

Also referred to as intellectual privacy, data privacy is an individual’s right to keep their personal

and confidential information secure when sharing data to companies. However, the management of data

by companies and other organisations is regulated differently by countries worldwide - raising the

question: should there be a global consensus on how much access and freedom big tech should have in

controlling users’ personal data?




The Microsoft-Cambridge Analytica DataScandal

The exposé that led the world to find out Microsoft had been colluding with Cambridge Analytica

to sell private information to advertising networks highlighted the urgent need to address the data

privacy conundrum. Microsoft is a corporation that engages in selling and participating in the stock

market, ergo, is required to pertain to the transparency expected from public companies such as these.

One means through which Microsoft meets said requirements is producing both annual and quarterly

reports, that outline how the business handles and treats data. It is these reports that contained

information which indicated that user data privacy was not being maintained as expected. As suspicion

began to fall upon the tie between Microsoft user data and various advertising networks, some company

employees came forward with intel about how these questionable data handlings were a result of dubious

operations involving both Microsoft and Cambridge Analytica.

The public learns of the collusion

As media and press organizations were made aware of these strange corporate interactions,

rumors of potential collusion became public, beginning in the United States where the company's

headquarters are located, and later spreading internationally. Then, as the investigation pushed forward

and the suspicion was confirmed, the matter soon made headlines across innumerous media platforms,

and became a major element of global debate on the question of ethics and data privacy.




Headline about Microsoft-Cambridge Analytica data scandal, Full Fact, Date Accessed: 15/07/2021.

Headline about Microsoft-Cambridge Analytica data Scandal, Smashingmagazine, Date Accessed: 15/07/2021


https://fullfact.org/blog/2018/may/headlines-arent-quite-as-they-seem/,

https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/11/newspaper-website-design-trends-and-examples/



About Microsoft and Cambridge Analytica

Firstly, there is Microsoft, the American Multinational Technology Company responsible for the

production of computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers and the provision of related

services that are accessed across the globe, found to have colluded with the British Political Consulting

Firm 'Cambridge Analytica', which has been previously accused of similar dealings with regards to its

utilization of Facebook data to interfere in the 2016 American Presidential Election.

Microsoft Logo, tecnoblog, Date Accessed:

15/07/2021.

Cambridge-Analytica Logo, Wikipedia, Date

Accessed: 15/07/2021.

Taking ActionAmid all the confusion, one thing is for sure - it is important to take steps to ensure something

like this doesn't happen again, which is why companies must gather and discuss to reach an agreement

as to what measures shall be taken by each to ensure the privacy of their users. Businesses present in this

technology summit must create directives that make modifications to company policy, that convinces

users of their commitment to ensuring user data privacy, while not imposing too many limitations that

prevent corporations from pursuing certain economic motives achieved through utilizing user data.

Several country representatives are also present in the gathering, and many wish to assure their citizens

of government commitment towards promoting data privacy, whilst still allowing themselves to also

exploit benefits of employing user data for specific means. How can these differences in interests be

adequately managed?


https://tecnoblog.net/sobre/microsoft/

https://tecnoblog.net/sobre/microsoft/

https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambridge_Analytica

https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambridge_Analytica



Current SituationIt is July 12th 2021, and the war over data privacy continues to rage on. The collusion between the

tech giants, Microsoft and Cambridge Analytica, that occurred over four years ago has just been exposed

after new evidence was revealed. The event is well known across the globe, meaning multiple nations and

a range of tech companies alike have become involved, and seek ways to both manage disadvantages of

the discovery as well as explore how to make better use of certain benefits.

Currently, employees with knowledge on the scandal are being interviewed so that further

information about the collusion is gathered and made accessible. Employee information was part of what

drove the beginning of the investigation into the collusion, and various whistleblowers continue to come

forward at present. Meanwhile, Microsoft is attempting to abolish any sources of information as

discreetly as possible, being aware of the potentially catastrophic consequences that may arise as more

intel on the event is uncovered. Now, the global spotlight has shifted to your own companies, and how

you shall respond to the situation.

According to the Data Privacy Manager, in 2019, “73% of customers said trust in companies

matters more than it did a year ago.” Customers are becoming more aware that often their personal data

is not treated how they might expect, and with this newest scandal between the two companies unveiled,

particularly since this was Cambridge Analytica's second successive instance of misuse of information,

users are beginning to doubt whether their trust is being accurately distributed.

Without a doubt, the pressure is on for both nations and companies alike to reach a consensus on

the issue. As a result, all are looking to take some form of action that shall allow them to benefit from the

situation as much as possible.

The universal response to the problem has been one of shock, and caution, as users become aware

that the privacy of their data might be at risk, and tech companies worry that their businesses may fall

under certain scrutiny in light of recent information. Nations are conscious of how utilizing user data can

be very advantageous to achieve certain political motives, and hence aim to avoid the global inspection

that has been set afoot due to the scandal, whilst still reaching a consensus that permits them to reap the

benefits of exploiting user data. In spite of this, countries grasp the importance of maintaining civilian

faith in their government, which can merely be attained through creating resolutions that guarantee

action will be taken to enhance data privacy in some way. In a similar manner, other technology

companies, particularly rivals of Microsoft, can view the potential gain of this situation, and most




significantly at the moment, wish to promote the image that unlike with Microsoft, user data is taken

extremely seriously in their respective businesses, thus consolidating consumer trust in the companies.

Nevertheless, these same companies aim to not be too far restricted by the changes made to company

legislation, so that the economic gains of infringing certain requirements of data privacy can still be

exploited. Therefore, the directives produced during the conference by each business must encompass all

of these objectives, both in relation to profit and promoting a positive public image.

Remember, in the current situation, new information is continuously being brought to light that

can possibly modify the priorities of companies and countries involved. Will you, delegates, be capable of

employing diplomacy and collaboration to achieve the goals of the corporations or nations that you are

representing, whilst still keeping in mind the importance of catering to the actions that the public wants

to see from their governments and trusted organizations?

It is up to you, as a committee of big tech, to regain trust in consumers and take affirmative action on

setting a worldwide precedent on the data privacy debate.




Bloc Positions

MicrosoftAs anyone can imagine, Microsoft is not content with the recent revelations, being that they

severely damaged its reputation. Rather than focus on the future, and how to make better use of user

information, the company's main aim within this committee shall be to restore its image, and regain the

trust of its customers. This shall not be an easy task, as Microsoft must make its case and defend itself to

its fellow tech businesses to convince them to collaborate to find solutions to its conundrum, and this

will be Microsoft's top priority throughout the conference.

TwitterThe social media giant that dominates the microblogging market has largely flown under the

radar regarding the recent data privacy leaks. However, this does not mean that the company has evaded

the data privacy question. Recently in early 2020, Twitter users outside of Europe - where strict internet

laws stand - lost access to opt out the option to “allow additional information sharing with business

partners.” Analysis on the move reveals the company moved to limit user control over their data in order

to make up for lost profit in sharing data with third party advertisers. It is clear that Twitter remains

vulnerable in the question of data privacy, and as a corporation which shares certain personal user

information with Facebook and Google, it is clear the company will want to save face while making

advances in profit.

FacebookIf there is any company that grasps Microsoft's situation, it is most certainly Facebook, as it had

been in a very similar position, and with the very same company no less! Despite this, or rather, because

of it, Facebook views the situation as somewhat beneficial to its own circumstances, a chance to remove

itself slightly from the scrutiny of the public eye, and focus on regaining customer trust. Whereas




Microsoft is centered on the present and working towards rebuilding their image, Facebook looks more

towards the future, setting its sights on rebuilding a new image, and encountering means of assuring the

world that the company has made innovations that guarantee it shall never be placed in such a position

again.

GoogleGoogle, yet another one of Microsoft's biggest competitors, can most certainly see this as an

advantageous situation that it could be looking to exploit. Much like Apple on the other hand, Google

comprehends how this can only work if it appears to be putting its best foot forward in light of the

scandal, and is able to reassure its customers that no similar occurrence will ever take place with them.

Therefore, Google's position is centered on finding means of ensuring the preservation of data privacy

within the company, and maintaining its image, whilst still guaranteeing financial profit.

AmazonAlthough the company is mostly known for their e-commerce and digital streaming platforms,

Amazon has slowly moved into web and cloud services – requiring extensive handling of data. With

Amazon seeking to make itself more relevant in our lives, questions have been raised on the company’s

access and control over personal data. Most recently, Luxembourg has accused the company of violating

the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – laws introduced to protect consumers. As the

company faces a $425 million fine, the scrutiny against the MNC continues.

AppleThere has been competition and rivalry between Microsoft and Apple for quite some time, and so

Apple is not particularly sympathetic towards Microsoft in light of current events. It could even

potentially be willing to exploit the situation as a business opportunity. Although, like others, Apple also

wishes to avoid a similar situation, grasping that to continuously be viewed as superior to its competitor,

it must evade these circumstances at any cost, hence is focused on ensuring data privacy within its

company.

RussiaRussia’s position on data privacy in relation to MNCs passed the Federal Law No. 152-FZ on

Personal Data, which included both companies and individuals. Later, in 2014, amendments were made

to the original law. These amendments made it so that companies were required to collect data from all




Russian citizens and process them using databases from Russia. As such, the government in Russia seeks

to control much of the data instead of allowing private companies to control it. In fact, the russian

government has blocked many messenger apps that they couldn’t control such as Blackberry Messenger.

European UnionThe European Union adopted the General Data Protection Regulation in May 2018 to protect

consumer privacy. The law allows consumers to choose how companies use and store their data. They

can now see what data companies have collected and thus ask them to delete it if they desire. If

companies fail to comply with the GDPR they must pay large taxes that can account to up to 4 percent of

their profit worldwide. A company was fined $57 million while another paid $180 million and released

consumer information that they had stored.

United StatesThe United States, contrary to popular belief, has data privacy laws. Most recently, the California

Consumer Privacy Act was passed in January 2020 with the goal of improving data protection in the US.

The law ensures that consumers in the state know what data is being collected on them. The CCPA solely

regulates very big MNCs that are selling consumer information. The United States still doesn’t have any

federal data privacy laws, but the Federal Trade Commision has recently filed a lawsuit against Facebook

for their monopolization of social media with the acquisition of Whatsapp and Instagram and their

infringements on data privacy.

ChinaChina doesn’t have many privacy laws that protect consumers from tech companies or their

government. However, a new law called the Personal Information Protection Law is set to pass by late

2021. The law will give consumers the right to know what data companies are keeping on them and

where their data is kept. This would make it easier for individuals to ask companies to delete or stop

sharing their data. However, this transparency is yet to exist in China, so their current position still gives

consumers less control over their data.




Timeline of Events1948 The UN Declaration of Human Rights is drafted. Article 12 states that “No

one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home

or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone

has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or

attacks.” (United Nations)

1974 December31

The United States Congress passes the Privacy Act of 1974 that limits federal

agencies’ abilities to collect, use, and share personal information.

(“Legislative Search Results”)

1990 Tim Berners-Lee invents the World Wide Web. For the first time in history,

computers were now able to communicate with one another wirelessly.

1995 The European Union adopts the Data Protection Directive that allows the

regulating processing of personal data.

1998 October 21 The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act is passed and lists out details

required by websites to include in their privacy policies, obtain a legitimate

consent from parents or guardians, and ways to protect children’s safety and

privacy with increased usage of the internet.

1999 November12

The Gramm Leach Bliley Act passes. Financial institutions are now required

to disclose ways they share and collect customer data. Institutions are now

also obliged to share how they process the data, allow customers to opt out,

and create a security plan to safeguard the data when collected.

2003 The State Data Breach Notification Laws is passed in California. The state

became the first to require companies to disclose when information has been

compromised in a security breach – paving the way for similar legislation in

other states and countries.




PresidentialElection of

2016

Cambridge Analytica, the British political consulting firm, was accused of

accessing data from up to 87 million Facebook Profiles (The New York

Times, 2018) through the app known as "This is Your Digital Life" developed

by Global Science Research in 2013 (“Analyzing Five Alleged IRA Reddit

Accounts”). This data was then utilized to provide analytical assistance to

2016 presidential campaigns of Ted Cruz and Donald Trump. The company

was also accused of interfering with the Brexit Referendum, but it was ruled

that "no significant breaches" took place.

2017 August 29 Microsoft found to be colluding with Cambridge Analytica to sell private

user information to various advertising networks.

2018 May 1 Cambridge Analytica filed for insolvency proceedings and closed operations.

2021 March 17 The collusion between Microsoft and Cambridge Analytica was unveiled.

2021 April 21 The United States House of Representatives launches an official investigation

into the collusion between Microsoft and Cambridge Analytica.

2021 May 29 The House releases a report detailing the transactions showing the transfer

of data, surprisingly portraying members of the US government to be aware

of such transfers. The identity of members is kept confidential.




Definition of KeyTerms

Breach of data privacy:In these circumstances, a breach in data privacy refers to when the regulations and requirements for

protection of user data is not withheld by the corporation that holds said data, and this promised

protection of information is violated, typically for commercial means.

Cambridge Analytica:Cambridge Analytica was a British political consulting firm, founded in 2013 by Alexander Nix,

Stephen K. Bannon, Robert Mercer, Nigel Oakes and Alexander Oakes. The firm employed a

combination of data analysis and strategic communication to carry out its work, and was succeeded

by Emerdata Limited after entering prominence through the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica Scandal

of 2016.

Collusion:The act of collusion is defined as being a secret or illegal cooperation or conspiracy between two or

more parties, usually enacted through the cheating and deception of others.

Data Privacy:Data privacy or information privacy refers to the protection of data, and is a specific branch within

this that aims to preserve the confidentiality of data, and maintain an adequate handling of sensitive

data such as personal data, confidential data (e.g. financial data), and intellectual property data. In

the context of the digital world and the interaction between multinational companies and their

consumers, data privacy refers to the right of the user of technology to ensure their data is protected

and not being used for unauthorized commercial means.




Microsoft:Microsoft is an American Multinational Technology Company, responsible for the production of

computer software, personal computers, consumer electronics and several other related services,

officially founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen (Wikipedia, 2021).

MNCs/Multinational Corporations:Large companies that produce/sell their products in more than one country.




Guiding Questions● Should there be a global consensus on how much access and freedom big tech should have in

controlling users’ personal data?

● What measures can be taken by each company to ensure the privacy of their users?

● What is the importance of collaboration between companies and countries in resolving this issue?

● What are the existing data privacy protocols and how have these been effective/ineffective in

preventing the outbreak of similar crises?

● How can companies balance financial incentives with protecting the privacy of their users?

● Are there cases in which infringement of data privacy are justified? Should all companies be

treated the same in matters such as these?




Resources for furtherresearch

● The Great Hack, directed by Karim Amer and Jehane Noujaim, The Othrs, 2019, Netflix, The Great

Hack on Netflix

○ This is an excellent documentary, available on Netflix, that delves into the intricacies of the

data privacy crisis between Facebook and Cambridge Analytica during the American

Presidential Election in 2016. Learning about a similar crisis will allow delegates to more

profoundly grasp the crisis at hand, as well as the topic as a whole, so although being

slightly long, it is worth a watch!

● “Official Home Page.” Microsoft, Microsoft, www.microsoft.com/.

○ Evidently, for delegates to debate on a crisis involving Microsoft, it is fundamental that they

have a deep understanding of the company itself. Hence, why Microsoft's website is an

important resource for further research, allowing delegates to learn more about the

business.

● Confessore, Nicholas. “Cambridge Analytica and Facebook: The Scandal and the Fallout So Far.”

The New York Times, The New York Times, 4 Apr. 2018,

www.nytimes.com/2018/04/04/us/politics/cambridge-analytica-scandal-fallout.html.

○ After watching 'The Great Hack' documentary, if delegates still crave more details on the

Facebook-Cambridge Analytica crisis, which the Microsoft-Cambridge Analytica in many

ways mirrors, delegates can delve into this article, which also provides much information

about the case which shall certainly aid debate as a whole.

● “The Cambridge Analytica Files.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media,

www.theguardian.com/news/series/cambridge-analytica-files.

○ This article will provide delegates with information not solely on the Cambridge Analytica

company, which is an important understanding that delegates must have when entering the

committee, but also will give insights into Cambridge Analytica with regards to the


https://www.netflix.com/watch/80117542?trackId=13752289&tctx=0%2C0%2C348abfb90b25334bc5faeca49a082b5f10de9673%3Ada81fcdbaed7996fc1052da4bbe0a74995f9e594%2C348abfb90b25334bc5faeca49a082b5f10de9673%3Ada81fcdbaed7996fc1052da4bbe0a74995f9e594%2Cunknown%2C

https://www.netflix.com/watch/80117542?trackId=13752289&tctx=0%2C0%2C348abfb90b25334bc5faeca49a082b5f10de9673%3Ada81fcdbaed7996fc1052da4bbe0a74995f9e594%2C348abfb90b25334bc5faeca49a082b5f10de9673%3Ada81fcdbaed7996fc1052da4bbe0a74995f9e594%2Cunknown%2C

http://www.microsoft.com/

http://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/04/us/politics/cambridge-analytica-scandal-fallout.html

http://www.theguardian.com/news/series/cambridge-analytica-files



Facebook case. Thus, it would be great if delegates could use it to acquire this fundamental

information.

● “What Is Data Privacy?” SNIA, www.snia.org/education/what-is-data-privacy.

○ The study guide did provide a brief definition and explanation of data privacy as a whole,

and in the modern world, but if delegates wish to dive even deeper into the intricacies of

data privacy, what it means, and how it is managed, this article makes an excellent read!

● Beaver, Kevin, et al. “The Mishandling of Sensitive Data: What Do You Not Know?” Security

Intelligence, 19 Feb. 2017,

https://securityintelligence.com/the-mishandling-of-sensitive-data-do-you-really-know-what-you-

dont-know/.

○ This is yet another fantastic resource that explains the often hidden elements of data

privacy management, and how it is truly regulated within corporations, something many

consumers are not aware of. Being that many delegates are representing these companies

in this committee, it is crucial that delegates use this resource to learn about how their

businesses might be mishandling data, and ergo be prepared for any possibility during

debate.


http://www.snia.org/education/what-is-data-privacy.

https://securityintelligence.com/the-mishandling-of-sensitive-data-do-you-really-know-what-you-dont-know/

https://securityintelligence.com/the-mishandling-of-sensitive-data-do-you-really-know-what-you-dont-know/



Bibliography● “History of Privacy Timeline.” Information and Technology Services - Safe Computing, University

of Michigan, safecomputing.umich.edu/privacy/history-of-privacy-timeline.

● Greenemeier, Larry. “Remembering the Day the World Wide Web Was Born.” Scientific American,

Scientific American, 12 Mar. 2009, www.scientificamerican.com/article/day-the-web-was-born/.

● Chan, Rosalie. "The Cambridge Analytica whistleblower explains how the firm used Facebook

data to sway elections". Business Insider. June 12th, 2021.

● Meredith, Sam (April 10, 2018). "Facebook-Cambridge Analytica: A timeline of the data hijacking

scandal". CNBC. June 12th, 2021.

● ""Facebook Says Cambridge Analytica Harvested Data of Up to 87 Million Users" in The New York

Times". Nytimes.com. June 12th, 2021.

● United Nations. “Universal Declaration of Human Rights | United Nations.” United Nations,

United Nations, 2020, www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights. Accessed

16 July 2021.

● “Legislative Search Results.” Congress.gov, 2021,

www.congress.gov/search?q=%7B%22source%22%3A%22legislation%22%2C%22search%22%3A%22

privacy+act+of+1974%22%7D&pageSize=100&page=1. Accessed 16 July 2021.

● “Analyzing Five Alleged IRA Reddit Accounts.” Georgetown Security Studies Review, 24 May 2021,

georgetownsecuritystudiesreview.org/2021/05/24/analyzing-five-alleged-ira-reddit-accounts/.

Accessed 16 July 2021.


https://www.businessinsider.com/cambridge-analytica-whistleblower-christopher-wylie-facebook-data-2019-10

https://www.businessinsider.com/cambridge-analytica-whistleblower-christopher-wylie-facebook-data-2019-10

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/10/facebook-cambridge-analytica-a-timeline-of-the-data-hijacking-scandal.html

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/10/facebook-cambridge-analytica-a-timeline-of-the-data-hijacking-scandal.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/04/technology/mark-zuckerberg-testify-congress.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/04/technology/mark-zuckerberg-testify-congress.html



Topic B: Tacklinggovernment

censorship of data

Stamp-like image denoting 'internet censorship', Dreamstime, Date Accessed: 17th of July, 2021


https://www.dreamstime.com/illustration/internet-censorship.html



BackgroundInformation

Freedom of speech in the modern world

When it comes to freedom of expression in the modern world, one thing is clear: the growth and

development of social media platforms has completely and utterly exacerbated the very concept of free

speech. Now, any one individual can post any piece of content which can easily be viewed across the

globe in a matter of seconds. Truly, liberty of expression at its finest. However, this also leads to certain

users sharing content that many others (and particularly their respective governments) disagree with.

Many, in light of the newfound capacity of any individual to share any piece of information online, deem

it necessary to impose certain restrictions and regulations over what can and can't be shared digitally.

Government Censorship

Censorship, generally defined, is the suppression of speech, writing, or any other form of

expression by an authority under the condition that it harms the general welfare of the people.

Censorship has existed throughout history - particularly after the invention of the printing press - where

information could be mass produced and distributed great distances. Anywhere in which there is a

means of communication, there shall also be someone attempting to limit the very same means. It is a

common human tendency to try and obliterate from existence that which we do not agree with,

particularly if one is in a position of power and wishes to abolish any potential threat to one's

dominance, as is seen in multiple modern governments. From the Nazi Regime in Germany, to the 1973

Coup in Uruguay, to the Military dictatorship in Brazil, censorship has been a frequently-employed

practice by figures of authority to maintain control. At the height of the Brazilian Military regime the

government implemented AI-5, which started the age of censorship in the country, preventing people

from holding their own opinions. This era, mirroed in many other countries led to the torture, exile, and

deaths of many. And in our current technological world, censorship has evolved but in many senses it is

no different. Indeed, with the exacerbation of free speech, came the exacerbation of attempts to limit that

very same speech.




Newspaper announcing the implementation of AI-5, Sudré, Lu. “Entenda o Que Foi o AI-5, Ato DitatorialDefendido Por Eduardo Bolsonaro.” Brasil De Fato, 31 Oct. 2019.

Censorship in Social Media

Various social media platforms have been accused of the practice of censorship, or have been

instructed by governments to censor certain content that is shared upon their digital space. Although,

one specific platform stands out when it comes to censoring information, and that is the infamous

Twitter. The microblogging service has become a vehicle for many users to share words of protest and

opposition against the current situation faced in a specific area, causing some governments to resort to

forcefully instruct Twitter to censor these very posts. Twitter has also been criticized for banning certain

accounts or removing posts from specific users after claiming the content did not pertain to their

guidelines and policies about what posts are acceptable. For example, in early 2021 Twitter banned

former President of the United States Donald Trump. This caused outrage among people Many of these

instances have been detailed in the timeline of events.


http://www.brasildefato.com.br/2019/10/31/entenda-o-que-foi-o-ai-5-ato-ditatorial-defendido-por-eduardo-bolsonaro




Marantz, Andrew, and Anna Wiener. “The Importance, and Incoherence, of Twitter's Trump Ban.” The New Yorker, 15 Jan.

2021..

Concluding Remarks

On the whole, with cases of censorship of the digital word on the rise, several questions emerge:

Should censorship be condemned in every case? Or are there some situations in which it can be justified,

and even beneficial? Where must the line be drawn between free speech and the sharing of inadequate

information that ought to be removed?

Hence why companies of social media, technology and certain governments have come together to

find answers to these questions, tackle the issue as a whole, and delineate what must be done in order to

resolve the issue of censorship amongst multiple platforms.

The matter plainly encompasses both infamous media companies, and various governments from

across the globe. These must collaborate to find solutions that cater to both their interests. From

previous instances of government censorship, as well as the facts of recent cases, it has become clear that

there are multiple conflicting interests at play. Any consensus reached must consider the wishes of the

people, of governments, and of the tech companies involved, thus delegates must analyze the current

situation, and ponder the topic of censorship as a whole.


http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/the-importance-and-incoherence-of-twitters-trump-ban

http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/the-importance-and-incoherence-of-twitters-trump-ban



Current situationIn a world that has been brutally struck by the COVID-19 Pandemic, instances of censorship and

prohibition of content have sky-rocketed, as many civilians oppose their respective government's

handling of the situation. Citizens openly protest government action online, and as expected, said

governments are not happy. Twitter and Facebook have been condemned for complying to government's

requests to censor content, and a spotlight has been placed upon the question of outlining the limits of

free speech.

It is mid-2021 and the search for solutions is long overdue. CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon has

affirmed that “New information technologies -- the global, interconnected internet; ubiquitous social

media platforms; smartphones with cameras -- were supposed to make censorship obsolete. Instead, they

have just made it more complicated.” It is evident that censorship is a pressing topic at the moment, and

users of social media want to be heard, and are now looking to your companies or governments and how

you shall respond to these troubling circumstances.

From Uganda, to India, to Nigeria, various social platforms including Google, Twitter and

Facebook have either been censoring content, or have been shut down completely due to government

orders. As a result, digital platform users from all over the world have become growingly frustrated with

the limitations imposed on their online voice, and are turning to their own governments and trusted tech

businesses to take action. Thus, the expectations of your customers or citizens (depending on

whether delegates represent a nation or company) must be taken into account as you write directives and

foster debate.

The general response of social media platforms up to this point have been, for the most part, to

comply to government orders, but consumers now demand more push back and less participation in

censorship from the platforms they utilize, and so it is clear that these tech corporations must change

their approach, and find a way to promote the cultivation of free speech, revolutionizing their brand

image in the eyes of their users. Nonetheless, it is becoming ever more clear that in the current situation,

this will be far from easy. Governments across the globe are determined to promote a certain façade of

their response to the pandemic, and intend to employ digital platforms to do it. The question for the

technology companies present at the Summit is: how can one appeal to the requests of their consumers

by resisting the clutches of censorship, without causing even more trouble with various governments?

On the other hand, the main goal of the country representatives that have attended the gathering

is to consolidate their control over these social media platforms, ensuring they can employ censorship to




benefit the interests of the respective government as they please. Still, much like the relevant companies,

nations must not cease to consider the interests and requests of their citizens, who intend for their voices

to be heard, and will not rest until any criticism they might have of their governments is no longer stifled.

This is quite a dilemma indeed… How shall governments manage these conflicting interests?

Evidently, new technologies have without a doubt made the issue of censorship far more

complicated. Your task, as a Summit of Social Media, is to tackle the question of censorship as a whole,

analyzing the problem on both a case to case basis, and also consider the general implications of any

decisions made. How should governments be treated in response to employing censorship? Conversely,

how should multinational corporations be treated for the same act? What is the cause for any differences

between the two responses? It is solely through collaboration and diplomacy that you shall reach

answers to these complex questions, always considering the interest of governments, digital platform

corporations and social media users. Will you be able to achieve a consensus?




Bloc PositionsTwitter

With the recent successes of expanding Twitter into a truly global platform, the microblogging site

has the most stake in the fight against government censorship. Throughout the past few years with the

lead up to 2021, Twitter has been forced to weave around different government policies. In order to stay

in the market, Twitter has often buckled under pressure, but the company has recently sought voice

through legal means such as lawsuits in the host country’s legal system. The social media delegations are

riding upon Twitter’s brazenness.

Facebook

Social media platform Facebook, like Twitter, has been spotted in recent headlines to be suffering

from the latest bans instated by governments around the world. With the relatively recent losses being

the 2019 Sri Lanka and 2021 Myanmar bans, Facebook will be keen to pressure governments to respect

their status in society as a networking service that serves as a primary form of communication in order to

stop further bans.

Google

Although this often remains unknown to many, Google and its subsidiary companies, such as

YouTube, have often grappled with accusations regarding censorship upon their platforms. Information

has frequently been removed, omitted and/or censored with claims that such content did not comply

with legal demands, government censorship or even the company's own policies. There have been several

reports of governments requesting that Google censor its content as well. Thus, as a result of Google's

involvement in the question of censorship, the tech giant will also likely work towards pressuring

governments to respect their status as an engine of free communication, so as to no longer face the

implications of employing censorship in their platform.




ByteDanceEmerging social media platform TikTok, owned by ByteDance, has come under fire from

numerous governments for a multitude of reasons. The company was accused by former US President

Donald Trump for allegedly spying on Americans on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (which

ByteDance has links to). TikTok has also been temporarily or permanently suspended in Pakistan,

Indonesia, India, China, and Bangladesh due to failures of moderating its platforms for “inappropriate

content.”

NigeriaEmerging social media platform TikTok, owned by ByteDance, has come under fire from

numerous governments for a multitude of reasons. The company was accused by former US President

Donald Trump for allegedly spying on Americans on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (which

ByteDance has links to). TikTok has also been temporarily or permanently suspended in Pakistan,

Indonesia, India, China, and Bangladesh due to failures of moderating its platforms for “inappropriate

content.”

MyanmarFollowing the February 1st Mymnar coup undertaken by the military, the country has been

struggling against the fight of authorianism with hundreds dead so far after protesting against the

military government. Fellow nations and social media platforms will be pushing the government to

reinstate Facebook and other platforms to allow for individuals to communicate with one another. With

the UN reporting of an incoming wave of “mass deaths,” it is clear that the nation will bring a heavy fight

against freedom of expression in the world of social media.

IndiaFollowing the February 1st Mymnar coup undertaken by the military, the country has been

struggling against the fight of authorianism with hundreds dead so far after protesting against the

military government. Fellow nations and social media platforms will be pushing the government to

reinstate Facebook and other platforms to allow for individuals to communicate with one another. With

the UN reporting of an incoming wave of “mass deaths,” it is clear that the nation will bring a heavy fight

against freedom of expression in the world of social media.




Timeline of Events2019 April 21 Following the Easter Sunday bombings, the Sri Lankan government blocks

access to Facebook and other social media sites for 9 days in an effort to curb

the spread of misinformation following the attacks (Wakefield).

2021 February04

Following a coup undertaken by the Myanmar military, Facebook and other

social media platforms have been banned in the nation. The military cites

the spreading of “fake news and misinformation” for the ban.

2020 August Citing “illegal information” that “glorifies” North Korea, South Korea bans an

official North Korean twitter account in the country. The North Korean

account is the first official channel on social media network Twitter.

2021 January13

Uganda orders internet providers in Uganda to shut down during election

week. Google and other social media providers remained down for the entire

week.

2021 February During a mass demonstration by farmers in India that attracted worldwide

attention, Twitter permanently bans more than 500 accounts that covered

the protests (BBC News). It was revealed that the government had taken

legal steps to threaten the company’s employees with imprisonment if they

had refused.

2021 April The Indian government sends an emergency order to Twitter to censor 52

tweets that are critical of the government’s handling of the second wave of a

surge in Covid-19 (“Twitter Blocks Accounts in India”). After informing

account holders of this “legal request,” the tweets are removed in India.

2021 June The Nigerian government suspends Twitter in the country after the company

takes down a tweet made by President Muhammadu Buhari. According to

Twitter, the tweet violated its “abusive behavior” policy (BBC News).




Definition of KeyTerms

Censorship:The act of censorship is defined by the suppression and/or prohibition of any means of

communication by a figure of authority. This could be justified by stating that said piece of

communication of information was obscene, politically unacceptable or a threat to security. In a digital

context, censorship is carried out upon the content released unto the platform by the platform

corporation itself, and can at times be instigated by relevant governments.

Facebook:Facebook is a social networking service company, and is now based in Menlo park, California.

Users are able to post, message and interact on the platform, and the company now owns multiple other

social media platforms, including Instagram. The company was founded in Cambridge Massachusetts, in

the United States by Mark Zuckerburg, Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz, Andrew McCollum and Chris

Hughes.

Fake News:'Fake News' are pieces of news or information that are deemed to be false or misleading in some

way, that can be uttered through broadcasting networks and online platforms, often dispersed with the

intent of deceiving or persuading others. It can often be employed in propaganda.

Freedom of Expression:Similarly to freedom of speech, freedom of expression lives under the assumption that the

speaker, rather than any government body, should decide the value of speech, and as such any individual

or community withholds the right to express their own beliefs, thoughts, ideas, emotions and opinions

about a myriad of issues exempt from government censorship.




Freedom of Speech:Freedom of speech is presently delineated as a fundamental human right, that maintains an

individual or community's freedom to voice their opinions on a range of matters without fear of legal

sanction, censorship or other forms of retaliation.

Misinformation:This is information that is false, or inaccurate in some way, and can often be spread or transmitted

with the intention of deceiving others.

Social Media:The term 'Social Media' refers to websites and applications that provide digital spaces for users to

engage in social networking, reaching out to others, and create, share and interact with posts and content

of various kinds. Examples include Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Twitter:Twitter is an American microblogging and social networking service, on which users post and

interact through messages commonly known as "tweets". Tweets can be posted, liked and retweeted by

any registered user. The service was founded in 2006, by Jack Dorsey (the current CEO), Biz Stone, Noah

Glass and Evan Williams.




Guiding Questions● Should censorship be condemned in every case? Or are there some situations in which it can be

justified, and even beneficial?

● Where must the line be drawn between free speech and the sharing of inadequate information

that ought to be removed?

● How should governments be treated in response to employing censorship? Conversely, how

should multinational corporations be treated for the same act? What is the cause for any

differences between the two responses?

● Should a global consensus be reached pertaining to censorship conflicting with freedom of

speech?

● What are the roles of both governments and multinational corporations in censoring information?

● How do the interactions between governments and digital platforms influence the censoring of

content and how should these interactions be addressed?




Resources forFurther Research

● National Coalition Against Censorship, 8 Mar. 2019, https://ncac.org/.

○ This resource contains information regarding why censorship should be combated and the

means that the National Coalition Against Censorship is employing to do so. Therefore,

delegations that stand against censorship can use this resource to learn more about how to

defend their position, and solutions to be suggested.

● “Muhammadu Buhari: Twitter Deletes Nigerian Leader's 'Civil War' Post.” BBC News, BBC, 2 June

2021, www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-57336571.

○ This resource informs delegates further on the issue of censorship in Nigeria, and the

recent developments that have made this a relevant matter in the topic. Hence, all

delegates can use this to learn more about the crisis, and due to this be in a better position

to contribute to debate.

● “India Covid: Anger as Twitter Ordered to Remove Critical Virus Posts.” BBC News, BBC, 26 Apr.

2021, www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56883483.

○ Similar to the previous resource, this one contains further intel on the recent censorship

crisis in India that developed as a result of the pandemic. Delegates can study this to better

grasp the problem at hand, and debate about the larger topic utilizing this as a case study.

● Singh, Karan Deep. “Twitter Blocks Accounts in India as Modi Pressures Social Media.” The New

York Times, The New York Times, 10 Feb. 2021,

www.nytimes.com/2021/02/10/technology/india-twitter.html.

○ Once again, this source contains details on the censorship debate that is gathering speed

and power in India, and can be used to deepen delegates' knowledge on individual cases

and thus the topic as a whole.

● “About Twitter | Our Company and Priorities.” Twitter, Twitter, https://about.twitter.com/.


https://ncac.org/

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-57336571

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56883483

http://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/10/technology/india-twitter.html

https://about.twitter.com/



○ Being that Twitter plays a very important role in the censorship crises arising all around the

world, it is crucial that delegates have a profound comprehension over the microblogging

platform. As a result, delegates can use the website of the platform itself to gain

information on it and better contribute to debate.

● “What Is Censorship?” American Civil Liberties Union, www.aclu.org/other/what-censorship.

○ Naturally, to debate about censorship, one must first understand it, its origins, and its role

in the modern world. Therefore, this resource will allow delegates to further delve into the

matter of comprehending the concept of censorship, and this way shall be adequately

prepared for questioning its limitations.

● “Freedom of Speech and the Press.” Interpretation: Freedom of Speech and the Press | The

National Constitution Center,

https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/interpretation/amendment-i/interps/266

○ This resource helpfully provides delegates with an understanding of freedom of speech, and

how this fits into the press outlets we know to do. Does the modern media respect it?

Delegates must grasp this to debate in the most profound manner possible, and can use

this resource to do so.

● Jr., David L. Hudson. “Free Speech or Censorship? Social Media Litigation Is a Hot Legal

Battleground.” ABA Journal,

www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/social-clashes-digital-free-speech.

○ A large part of the battle between censorship and free speech is the social media litigation,

and this article shall permit delegates to learn more about this, and how this conflict

between the two opposing ideas has played out so far. This way, participating delegates can

further analyze the limits and possibilities of censorship with regards to free speech.

● Matsakis, Louise, and Issie Lapowsky. “Don’t Praise the Sri Lankan Government for Blocking

Facebook.” Wired, WIRED, 23 Apr. 2019,

www.wired.com/story/sri-lanka-bombings-social-media-shutdown/. Accessed 20 June 2021.

○ Finally, the final resource contains an in depth explanation of the Sri Lankan censorship

crisis, and delegates can once again use this as a case study to aid debate on the larger issue

of global censorship as a whole, proving to be another useful resource.


http://www.aclu.org/other/what-censorship

https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/interpretation/amendment-i/interps/266

http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/social-clashes-digital-free-speech

http://www.wired.com/story/sri-lanka-bombings-social-media-shutdown/.



Bibliography● Lyons, Kim. “Twitter Censored Tweets Critical of India's Handling of the Pandemic at Its

Government's Request.” The Verge, The Verge, 24 Apr. 2021,

www.theverge.com/2021/4/24/22400976/twitter-removed-tweets-critical-india-censor-coronaviru

s.

● “History of Censorship.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.,

www.britannica.com/topic/censorship/History-of-censorship.

● Vinopal, Courtney Glenn. “Censorship in the Digital Age.” Censorship in the Digital Age |

Columbia Journalism School, 2021, journalism.columbia.edu/censorship-digital-age.

● Gallagher, Ryan. “Google Plans to Launch Censored Search Engine in China, Leaked Documents

Reveal.” The Intercept, 1 Aug. 2018,

theintercept.com/2018/08/01/google-china-search-engine-censorship/.

● Statt, Nick. “Leaked Google Research Shows Company Grappling with Censorship and Free

Speech.” The Verge, The Verge, 10 Oct. 2018,

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m-of-speech-research-china.

● “Censorship by Google.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 June 2021,

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Censorship_by_Google#:~:text=Google%20and%20its%20 subsidiary%20

companies,asked%20Google%20to%20censor%20content.

● “About.” Facebook, pt-br.facebook.com/.

● Hornblower, Simon, et al. “Oxford Languages.” The Oxford Classical Dictionary, Oxford University

Press, 2012.

● “All About Fake News: Fake News Defined.” Nash Library & Student Learning Commons,

library.gannon.edu/c.php?g=728528&p=5206339#:~:text=Wikipedia%20states%20that%20%22fake

%20news,media%20or%20online%20social%20media.

● “Twitter Blocks Accounts in India as Modi Pressures Social Media.” The New York Times, 2021,

www.nytimes.com/2021/02/10/technology/india-twitter.html. Accessed 16 July 2021.


http://www.theverge.com/2021/4/24/22400976/twitter-removed-tweets-critical-india-censor-coronavirus

http://www.theverge.com/2021/4/24/22400976/twitter-removed-tweets-critical-india-censor-coronavirus

http://www.britannica.com/topic/censorship/History-of-censorship

https://journalism.columbia.edu/censorship-digital-age

http://www.theverge.com/2018/10/10/17961806/google-leaked-research-good-censor-censorship-freedom-of-speech-research-china

http://www.theverge.com/2018/10/10/17961806/google-leaked-research-good-censor-censorship-freedom-of-speech-research-china



● BBC News. “India Covid: Anger as Twitter Ordered to Remove Critical Virus Posts.” BBC News,

BBC News, 26 Apr. 2021, www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56883483. Accessed 16 July 2021.

● BBC News. “Muhammadu Buhari: Twitter Deletes Nigerian Leader’s ‘Civil War’ Post.” BBC News,

BBC News, 2 June 2021, www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-57336571. Accessed 16 July 2021.

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2019, www.bbc.com/news/technology-48022530. Accessed 16 July 2021.

● “Entenda o Que Foi o AI-5, Ato Ditatorial Defendido Por Eduardo Bolsonaro.” Brasil De Fato, 31

Oct. 2019,

www.brasildefato.com.br/2019/10/31/entenda-o-que-foi-o-ai-5-ato-ditatorial-defendido-por-eduar

do-bolsonaro.




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