Aware of hidden agendas, people no longer believe in the possibility of absolute truth or complete transparency from institutions, public figures, and individuals. Yet they are still drawn to honesty, integrity, and – at times – even vulnerability, which they expect from peers and brands alike.

Political polarization in the US is fueling heated debates and widespread outrage around censorship – whether that's in the form of deplatforming or book bans. But who is being most deeply impacted by such restrictions? And what can brands do to navigate tensions around free speech and self-expression?

Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court has partnered with WhatsApp to ban fake news and misinformation in the lead-up to the October 2022 presidential election. For brands looking to build trust, openness and honesty are great ways to strengthen a brand’s bond with its audience.

With concerns around data security and censorship driving a growing sense of dissatisfaction with Big Tech, some people are searching for ways to communicate, socialise, and organise online outside of mainstream social media platforms. How will this shift transform the digital space?

Instagram has been criticised for applying different rules around nudity to different body types after comedian Celeste Barber’s parody photo was censored, while the original image of a thin model was not. It's the latest incident to prompt accusations that its algorithm is discriminatory.