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A new commentary argues that efforts to make the internet safer are at risk of bypassing democratic processes. The piece warns that online safety regulations and platform decisions should not be adopted through shortcuts that sidestep public debate, oversight, or accountability. It calls for safety measures to be pursued through transparent, participatory lawmaking rather than unilateral technical or administrative action.

The Center for Democracy and Technology has published an op-ed arguing that online safety measures should not be pursued through shortcuts that bypass democratic processes. The piece warns that policymakers, in the rush to make the internet safer, risk adopting measures without proper transparency, accountability, or public debate. It calls for safeguards that respect democratic norms while still addressing online harms.