Social Media and Freedom of Speech and Expression: Legal Challenges and Prospects

The term 'Media' is derived from medium/ which means carrier or mode. Media denotes an item specifically designed to reach a large audience or viewers. At first the term was used with the advent of newspapers, magazines, radio, television etc. However, with inventions from time to time, the term broadened to social media to include webbased and mobile technologies which used to turn communication into interactive dialogue. Social media comprises primarily internet and mobile phone based tools for sharing and discussing information. It blends technology, telecommunications, and social interaction and provides a platform to communicate through words, pictures, films, and music. The original idea behind the creation of various media means was to entertain masses. One of major duties of media today is to inform the people about the latest happening around them and the world. It is also considered as the overseer of the political system. As the power of media is so extensive and huge, it can be used to educate people with very little cost and if it plays its role honestly, it can be used as a great force in building the nation. The Conference paper will delve into the various legal issues in context to social media and freedom of speech and expression.