After coming under world-wide condemnation, Facebook has finally reacted by announcing changes to its policies today which aim to combat hate speech across the social media platform. Mark Zuckerberg even took to Facebook to announce the changes himself.
With the US election coming up soon, and politics often being a space of hostility, these changes are more important than ever. Take a look below and let us know if you think the changes hit the mark.
Here’s a summary of what Facebook’s new policies will include:
Policy change will protect social minorities
To help protect minority groups as immigrants, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, Facebook, in the past, has already prohibited dehumanising and violent speech that is so often aimed at these groups. In addition to this, ads that patronise or suggest inferiority on these groups will now be banned.
“I’m committed to making sure Facebook remains a place where people can use their voice to discuss important issues, because I believe we can make more progress when we hear each other,”
said Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg
False claims
Posts that make false claims about ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) checking for immigration papers at the polling stations, or any other statements that may discourage voting, will be banned.
Newsworthy content
Facebook will now inform users of content that has been labeled as newsworthy. Content such as speeches from politicians are generally of public interest, so users can see it for themselves on the platform, share it, and discuss it because “this is an important part of how we discuss what’s acceptable in our society.”
Read Zuckerberg’s full post below:
Zuckerberg said he understands that the election period, in particular, is one that can get “heated” – and even more so given the current pandemic-struck climate. He said that Facebook’s new policies come as part of his commitment to keeping the platform “a place where people can use their voice to discuss important issues, because I believe we can make more progress when we hear each other.”
