A/HRC/32/38 6. Produce and regulate access to one’s own content Companies that create or purchase content produced on their platforms often hold the copyright to such content, enabling them to monetize and manage access to it. Some of the most influential copyright holders are media and entertainment companies, including news media, publishing houses, music labels, and film and television studios. 22. 7. Connect users and communities Companies also provide a variety of services that connect users across multiple platforms, including e-mail, web chats, discussion threads, and social and professional networking. The most prominent actors in this area include e-mail providers, social media and other networking platforms, and online bulletin boards. In addition to such platforms, news websites, e-commerce platforms and application stores provide opportunities for the sharing of information and ideas through reviews, comments and discussions. Internet payment systems also integrate a social networking functionality. 23. 8. Sell goods and services and facilitate transactions E-commerce facilitates the sale of goods and services and other commercial transactions among businesses and consumers, businesses and other businesses, or consumers and other consumers. The ways in which companies provide access to, promote, or arrange these transactions, and safeguard the wealth of personal information generated by these transactions, may implicate the freedom of expression and privacy of their customers. 24. 9. Collect, repurpose and sell data 25. The vast majority of enterprises described above collect information from and about their users, which in turn may be used to target advertising, customize existing services, reduce security risks, or shut down accounts of abusive users. Companies may, however, also trade in information collection and analysis, involving such services as designing, customizing or selling surveillance and information analytics technologies, or provide consulting services that facilitate law enforcement, intelligence, cybersecurity and surveillance operations. B. Regulation in the digital age 26. The regulatory ecosystem on the Internet is extensive and diverse, involving actors at domestic, regional and international levels, in private and public sectors, in academia and civil society. Some aspects of information and communications technology — such as the provision of telecommunication and Internet services — have long attracted State and international regulation as well as public scrutiny. Other areas, such as search, social media, and the sale of surveillance technologies, are also increasingly subject to such scrutiny, commensurate with their growing impact and influence on the exercise of freedom of expression online. 1. Technical standards 27. Technical standards and processes ensure that the infrastructure, networks and applications that comprise Internet and telecommunication networks operate seamlessly. The physical infrastructure on which Internet traffic flows, such as network cables and satellites, are set up and run according to various technical requirements that ensure their smooth functioning. Organizations that develop such requirements include the International Telecommunication Union, which sets standards for the interoperability of 8