This submission introduces the phrase “networked governance” as a term to describe how a broad array of platforms— not just Facebook— are conceptualizing the engagement of external actors and organizations in the creation and implementation of content standards. This terminology builds on theories from new institutionalism/neo-institutionalism and organizational sociology, taking as its starting point the “demise of the isolated and sovereign actor or organization” and placing an emphasis on “understanding interaction” between interdependent actors and organizations. “Networked governance” is a term that can be useful for researchers in platform governance who are theorizing about how platform companies, like Facebook and Google, are using strategies like trusted flagger programs, trust and safety councils, and external stakeholder engagement teams, to engage relevant organizations and experts in providing feedback on platform rules and content standards.
