网络平台监管权对用户言论自由的侵害及其公法治理

The Infringement of Users’Freedom of Speech by Platform Moderation Powers and Its Governance under Public Law

网络平台对用户言论进行的监管行为本质上是行使社会公权力的活动。网络平台通过平台规则与算法技术对网络空间的信息内容予以监管,有助于维护网络秩序,营造清朗的网络空间。然而,由于“违法”标准模糊、技术规制手段存在缺陷、平台独占规则的制定与执行权等原因,用户的言论自由权极易受到侵害,且在遵循“意思自治”原则的民事诉讼和约束国家公权力的行政诉讼中都难以得到有效救济。应当根据社会变迁强化公法对平台监管权的治理,规定平台制定与适用规则须遵循的程序,保持对算法技术应用的适度公开,加强行政机关与行业协会对平台的合作监督,建立健全相应的公法救济机制。

The regulation of users’speech by online platforms is an exercise of social public power.Platforms regulate the information in cyberspace through platform rules and algorithmic techniques,contributing to the maintenance of online order and the creation of a clear cyberspace.However,due to the vague“illegality”standards,structural defects in technical regulation methods,and the platform’s monopoly on rulemaking and enforcement,the right to freedom of speech for users is easily infringed upon.Besides,it is challenging for users to obtain effective remedies in civil litigation following the principle of“self-governance”and administrative litigation that only restrains state public power.By examining the national obligations of protecting the fundamental right to freedom of speech and its effectiveness against social public power,it can be concluded that the existing legislation insufficiently protects citizens’right to freedom of speech in the Internet space.Therefore,it is necessary to introduce public law to adjust the existing legal framework to regulate the power of platform in accordance with social changes.This includes legislating to establish procedures for setting and applying platform rules,promoting appropriate restrictions on algorithmic technology application,establishing internal self-regulation and external regulatory mechanism,and fostering the coordination and complementarity of diverse legal remedies.