FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND REGULATION OF SOCIAL NETWORKS: CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITS AND RESPONSIBILITY OF DIGITAL PLATFORMS

Abstract

Digital platforms radically transform communication forms and public debate, introducing unprecedented challenges for applying constitutional principles on freedom of expression. This study critically analyzes the relationship between freedom of expression and social media regulation, identifying applicable constitutional limits and examining accountability models for digital platforms. The relevance of this investigation is justified by the centrality of social networks in contemporary democratic processes and the urgency of establishing balanced regulatory frameworks. The main objective consists of synthesizing legal knowledge about freedom of expression in the digital environment, constitutional limits, and platform accountability models. The methodology is characterized as an integrative review of legal literature, of qualitative nature and descriptive-analytical approach, with bibliographic survey in scientific and legal databases, covering publications between 2020 and 2025. The results show that freedom of expression does not constitute an absolute right, finding limits in constitutionally protected values, and that regulatory models vary significantly across jurisdictions. It is concluded that effective regulation demands balanced approaches, transparency in moderation processes, adequate procedural guarantees, and democratization of decisions affecting communicative rights.