Platform Neutrality: Solution for the Social Media War?

Neutrality is a concept applied by states during times of war. The example of Swiss Neutrality has been most prominent among states, implementing a concept that also allows long-lasting neutrality practice during times of peace. While the future of state neutrality in cyberspace remains open, its example provides inspiration for the ongoing development of the relationship between social media platforms (or large technology companies in general) and the state. This paper contextualises the work on platform neutrality on the background of state neutrality and explores its suitability for large technology companies. Furthermore, this paper outlines how concepts from state neutrality can be applied for technology companies operating in a global context and reflects on the benefit of such principles based on most recent developments in social media self-regulation during the coronavirus pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the US elections.