Facebook and the (EU) Law: How the Social Network Reshaped the Legal Framework

The past two decades have seen a radical change in the online landscape with the emergence of GAFAM (Google,Amazon,Facebook,Apple and Microsoft). Facebook, specifically, has acquired a unique monopoly position among social media, and is part of the digital lives of billions of users. This book offers a unique perspective on this relationship, exploring the various activities and services proposed by Facebook and discussing the attendant legal issues. It also proposes a global and practical approach to the EU legal framework on Facebook and explores the current limits and the ongoing transformation of EU Internet law as it steadily adapts to life in the new digital world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

The past two decades have witnessed a significant transformation in the online landscape, marked by the rise of GAFAM (Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft). Facebook, in particular, has established a unique monopoly position within the social media realm, captivating the digital lives of billions of users worldwide. This dynamic has led to a gradual interplay between Facebook and the legal framework, as EU legislators and judges grapple with the realities of new and widespread behaviors and practices while simultaneously constructing a legal framework that imposes limits and regulations on the social network's usage.

This book offers a unique perspective on this intricate relationship, exploring the diverse range of activities and services offered by Facebook and delving into the attendant legal issues. At the heart of these discussions lies the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), its principles, and obligations. The book expands its scope beyond data protection, acknowledging Facebook's significant contribution to the liberalization and democratization of speech. It prompts a reevaluation of the classic principles of media law, urging adaptation or appropriate enforcement on the platform. Intellectual property law governs ownership and rights, regardless of whether raw data or informational goods are concerned. Frameworks on hate speech and fake news emerge from coregulation principles of governance, while defamation jurisprudence continues to evolve, considering the consequences of merely "liking" certain content.

The economic model of advertising is also meticulously governed by strict rules. Moreover, Facebook finds itself at a pivotal juncture, facing a dilemma of substantial societal interest. Is it a neutral online intermediary, merely a passive player on the Internet, or is it unwittingly transforming against its will into an electronic platform that shapes public discourse and opinion? These questions and many more are explored in depth within the pages of this book, providing a comprehensive examination of the complex interplay between Facebook, the legal framework, and society as a whole.

Weight: 588g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031065958
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022