Establishing the SMC (in the form of an NGO) is an academic initiative of three Georgian legal scholars Dr. Nina Shengelia from Tbilisi State University and Caucasus International University, Dr. Sergi Jorbenadze from Tbilisi State University and Dr. Ucha Bakhtadze from Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University (the “Founding Members”).
Disinformation and hate speech on social media actively polarizes society in countries like Georgia. At the same time, freedom of expression is highly protected.
In Georgia there are no laws that regulate the activities of tech platforms.
Georgia has a declared policy of striving towards the European Union. In this regard, Georgia has implemented Western approaches in a number of directions and reflected the reservations written in the EU directives at the legislative level. Accordingly, Georgia today is, on the one hand, a well fitted country to experience a new approach to regulation at the legislative level.
The SMC is in the process of engaging with the platforms (Meta, Youtube, TikTok, Twitter) in order to establish a working relationship with them.
In particular, the SMC is approaching oversight boards and advisory councils of the platforms as well as policy teams within these companies.
In terms of popularity, Meta, Youtube, TikTok, Twitter are the most popular platforms within our region.
The SMC is a dedicated non-profit organization with a profound and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the fundamental human rights of social media users not only in Georgia but also in the Caucasus Region. Established with a vision for a digital landscape where freedom of expression, privacy, and digital security are upheld as paramount values, our organization tirelessly strives towards this long-term goal. Through advocacy, education, and collaborative initiatives, we aim to create an online environment that fosters respectful dialogue, defends against discrimination and censorship, and empowers individuals to exercise their rights in the digital realm. With a resolute focus on enhancing the online experience for all, the Social Media Council Georgia is dedicated to promoting a safer, more inclusive, and rights-respecting digital world.
Your support is vital to the SMC for several compelling reasons. Firstly, as a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the human rights of social media users in Georgia and the broader region, the SMC relies on the support of individuals and communities who share our vision of a safer and more inclusive digital environment. Your contributions, whether through financial donations, volunteering, or advocacy, enable us to continue our essential work of advocating for digital rights, raising awareness about online issues, and fostering positive change.
Secondly, your support amplifies our impact. By engaging with the SMC, you become a part of a collective effort to address pressing challenges such as online harassment, misinformation, and privacy violations. Your involvement strengthens our ability to advocate for policy changes, provide educational resources, and collaborate with other organizations and stakeholders to effect meaningful change in the digital space.
Furthermore, your support helps us reach a wider audience. Through your active participation, you help us spread awareness of the importance of protecting human rights in the digital age. Your voice, coupled with ours, becomes a powerful tool for raising awareness and influencing the discourse surrounding social media and online platforms.
In essence, your support is instrumental in shaping a digital landscape where every individual's rights are respected and upheld. Together, we can make a profound impact on the online world, ensuring that it remains a space where freedom, equality, and dignity thrive.