System Update - Episode 8: When we fight against platforms controlling the narrative

Social media platforms have become central to public discourse: shaping what we see, what we say and ultimately, what we believe. Yet behind this influence lies a system that is often opaque, where content can be restricted, amplified or removed without clear accountability. These dynamics raise urgent questions about who controls online narratives and how. Platform governance, the rules and systems that shape visibility and operations online - from algorithmic amplification to content moderation - can deepen inequalities, restrict freedom of expression, and weaken democratic participation, particularly in contexts where oversight is limited or inconsistent. In this episode, we speak with Nenden Sekar Arum, Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet). Together, we explore how platforms shape socio-political discourse, the risks of arbitrary content moderation and what it will take to ensure transparency, accountability, and the protection of free speech in the digital age. "System Update", is produced by Forus as part of CADE - the Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment - a project co-funded by the European Union. CADE’s objective is to support the capacity of civil society organisations for effective advocacy in multilateral and multistakeholder internet governance processes. https://cadeproject.org/ https://www.forus-international.org/en/campaign/let-s-talk-digital https://safenet.or.id/ This podcast was co-funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Forus and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.