The post-public sphere and neo-regulation of digital platforms

Schlesinger, P. (2024) The post-public sphere and neo-regulation of digital platforms. Javnost - The Public, (doi: 10.1080/13183222.2024.2311010) (Early Online Publication)

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Abstract

This article discusses the post-public sphere and the regulation of platforms that have had disruptive effects on democracy. Platformisation means that the normative ideals for a political public sphere set out by Jürgen Habermas face a distinctive challenge. “Neo-regulation” is an evolving adaption by states that reflects the urgent need to address platformisation and digitalisation more generally. In conditions of geopolitical competition, notably between the China and US, attempts by various states and the EU to establish a neo-regulatory order has developed a significant national security dimension, which is highly relevant for the regulation of digital communication. Policing borders and content is an ever-present focus in all political regimes, whether characterised as democratic or authoritarian. Applying Pierre Bourdieu’s field theory to internet regulation, the argument is illustrated by reference to current British regulatory practice. At the level of the state, the “regulatory field” is shaped by national and global forces. Although the British case has specific characteristics, the underlying analysis has general relevance for comparative research.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:The research was supported by the AHRC Centre of Excellence for Policy & Evidence in the Creative Industries (PEC 1.0, 2018-23) (award reference no.: AH/S001298/).
Status:Early Online Publication
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Schlesinger, Professor Philip
Authors: Schlesinger, P.
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > Theatre Film and TV Studies
Journal Name:Javnost - The Public
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:1318-3222
ISSN (Online):1854-8377
Published Online:05 March 2024
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2024 The Author
First Published:First published in Javnost - The Public 2024
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
303123Centre of Excellence for Policy and Evidence in the Creative Industries (PEC)Martin KretschmerArts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)AH/S001298/1CREATe