Read the following passage and answer the given questions. While social media has ____________ global communication, its misuse continues to raise ser...

Read the following passage and answer the given questions. While social media has ____________ global communication, its misuse continues to raise serious alarms across nations. What began as a platform for connection and free expression has, in many instances, become a breeding ground for misinformation, cyberbullying, and hate speech. According to DataReportal’s 2024 Global Digital Report, over 5.04 billion people worldwide now use the internet, with 4.80 billion active on social media. Countries like India, Brazil, and the Philippines have seen the highest year-on-year growth in user engagement. However, this increase has also led to a surge in harmful online behavior. One of the most disturbing trends is the proliferation of hate speech through social platforms. From racist slurs to targeted harassment of minorities, social media has enabled hate to spread faster than ever before. Algorithms often promote controversial or divisive content because it drives engagement, indirectly encouraging inflammatory posts. Studies show that hate-based tweets are 70% more likely to be retweeted than neutral ones. In response, several countries have introduced legislation to counter this wave of digital toxicity. Germany’s Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG), enacted in 2017, is considered a benchmark policy. It requires platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter to remove “obviously illegal” content within 24 hours of notification, or face heavy fines. These platforms must also maintain internal records of user complaints and content takedown actions for transparency and future audits. Country X, recognizing the growing online hostility within its borders, is now adopting a similar model to Germany’s NetzDG. By mandating rapid content takedown, establishing grievance redressal mechanisms, and enforcing penalties for non-compliance, Country X hopes to curb the unchecked spread of hate speech on social media. It has also put in place digital compliance protocols to track violations and ensure swift corrective action. While such steps are commendable, experts stress that technology alone cannot solve the problem. Promoting digital literacy, encouraging ethical online behavior, and holding platforms accountable are all essential to making social media a safer space.

Identify the statement(s) that logically explain why hate speech continues to thrive on social media despite the presence of laws:

(I) Social media algorithms prioritize engagement, which unintentionally amplifies hateful content.

(II) Legal measures alone are inadequate without simultaneous social awareness and ethical education.

(III) The slow enforcement of regulations in many countries has allowed hate speech to prevail.

Choose the correct option: