Digital Safety as Public Infrastructure: Reconceptualizing Content Moderation for Democratic Participation

Abstract

This article examines the evolving role of content moderation as essential civic infrastructure within digital spaces, reframing online safety as a public good rather than merely a protective service. Drawing on infrastructure theory and urban planning metaphors, the work analyzes how effective moderation systems enable broader participation in digital forums, particularly among historically marginalized communities. The investigation integrates empirical evidence on discourse quality with theoretical frameworks addressing the structural dimensions of online engagement. By conceptualizing digital safety as infrastructure, the article advances understanding of how moderation shapes the conditions for democratic participation in contemporary social platforms. The findings highlight the need for sustainable investment in moderation systems that balance freedom with dignity, suggesting policy approaches that recognize digital safety as foundational to a functioning digital commons. This interdisciplinary perspective offers new pathways for considering content moderation's societal impact beyond individual protection toward collective enablement of vibrant digital citizenship.