Internet giant Google is set to face charges in Italy over footage posted on its YouTube site of four teens picking on a teen with Down Syndrome.
This case has an interesting twist because four Google executives—the chairman of Google Italy at the time, a Google Italy board member, a European privacy policy executive, and the once head of Google Video for Europe—have been charged in regards to this case.
Google has had several legal suits brought against them in many different countries. Thus far, the Internet has been a free and predominantly unregulated space.
The outcome of this case could lead to a change.
Viral Video Lawsuits
Google Execs Sued Over Shocking YouTube Harrassment
Trend Themes
1. Online Harassment Accountability - Companies need to find new ways to hold users accountable for their actions on the internet and prevent harmful behavior online.
2. Consumer Expectations for Moderation - Consumers will begin to expect platforms to take stronger stances against harmful actions and hateful content on their platforms.
3. Legal Implications of User-generated Content - As more user-generated content is uploaded online, legal systems around the world will be forced to confront how to hold platforms and their users accountable for harmful behavior.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media - As the primary platform for user-generated content and online social interactions, social media will be at the forefront of legal debates around online harassment and user accountability.
2. Technology - As technology companies continue to develop new platforms and services for online engagement, they must also consider how to moderate and regulate harmful behavior on their platforms.
3. Law and Regulations - Legal systems and regulatory bodies around the world will be challenged to keep pace with the rapid evolution of online platforms and user-generated content, and must consider how to prevent harmful behavior online.