Facebook and Instagram users in the UK who search for content related to organized hate or violent extremism will now be redirected to resources and support as part of a major counter-speech update .
The social network has announced the extension of its “redirection initiative” in the United Kingdom, as well as in Pakistan. It replaces the first search result on searches based on hate or extremism with a link to help and support on how to move away from hate and violence.
Research has shown that challenging violent and extremist views with positive counter-speech is one of the most effective ways to combat such attitudes and use empathy and alternative perspectives to respond to extremist views, according to Facebook. .
The tool has already been rolled out in Australia, the United States, Germany and Indonesia and is the latest move by Facebook parent company Meta to improve online safety as part of an ongoing industry review. by regulators and policy makers around the world.
The social media company said the counter-speech process is most effective when the counter-speech comes from credible voices and has therefore partnered with the charity Exit UK for the UK version of the tool.
“Working in partnership with technology companies like Meta will help ensure the safety and wellbeing of the public and those who may be vulnerable online,” said Nigel Bromage, Founder of Exit UK.
The non-profit charity was founded in 2017 and seeks to support people who wish to leave the far right and also to support wider members of the community, many of whom feel they have no one to who to talk to.
“We understand the importance of offering non-judgmental advice and support so that over time we can help people improve their critical thinking and develop positive counter-narratives to tackle hate online” , did he declare.
Dr. Nawab Osman, of Meta’s global programs responsible for dangerous individuals and organizations, said counter-speech is just one part of the company’s multi-faceted strategy to counter violent extremism. , terrorism and organized hatred. “Our policies make it clear that even dangerous individuals and organizations have no place on our platforms.”
Osman said Meta has banned thousands of individuals and organizations across the ideological spectrum under their rules and prohibits praise and support for these groups and their leaders on their platforms.
“We have a team of over 350 dedicated specialists and sophisticated proactive detection technology to help us find and remove this content quickly,” he added. “We will continue to work with various partners around the world to counter extremism in society.”
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