In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Social media companies (1) ______ claim that they promote democracy and are dedicated to the empowerment of ordinary individuals. The assertion (2) ______ entirely unfounded. Recent history shows how (3) ______ citizens have been mobilised against totalitarian regimes on social networking sites. Starting from MeToo to Black Lives Matter, digital networks citizens have been mobilised against totalitarian regimes on social networking sites. Starting from MeToo to Black Lives Matter, digital networks (4) ______ indispensable in bringing together critical voices against social and political (5) ______

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.

To determine the most appropriate option for blank (2), let us analyze the context and flow of the passage:

1. The first sentence states: "Social media companies (1) ______ claim that they promote democracy and are dedicated to the empowerment of ordinary individuals." This establishes the claim made by social media companies.

2. The second sentence starts with: "The assertion (2) ______ entirely unfounded." The word "assertion" refers back to the claim that social media companies promote democracy and empower individuals.

3. The third sentence provides supporting evidence for the assertion: "Recent history shows how (3) ______ citizens have been mobilised against totalitarian regimes on social networking sites." It mentions movements like "MeToo" and "Black Lives Matter" to show that digital networks have indeed been useful in bringing critical voices together.

4. Since the passage goes on to show positive examples of social media's role in mobilization and empowerment, the assertion that they promote democracy is shown to have some truth. Therefore, the assertion is not completely false or unfounded.

5. Among the given options ("cannot", "may not be", "should", "shall"), the phrase "may not be" fits perfectly to express a qualified negation. Saying "The assertion may not be entirely unfounded" means there is evidence suggesting the claim has merit, which aligns with the subsequent examples of social mobilization in the passage.

Therefore, the correct option to fill in blank 2 is "may not be".