In addition to shutting down fact-checking services on its platform, Meta (formerly Facebook) has also made major changes to its rules regarding hate speech and misconduct. It specifically relaxed rules related to gender identity, sexuality, and immigration status. Experts are of the opinion that this decision is likely to increase the threat to vulnerable groups.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, “We’re going to remove restrictions on topics like immigration and sexuality, because these topics appear to be out of step with mainstream discussion.” He has cited the recent elections as the basis for this decision.
New policy changes:-
Meta has made some changes to its Community Standards. For example, the new policies allow users to claim a mental illness or abnormality based on sexuality or gender identity. This means, it is now acceptable to call gay people mentally ill on platforms like Facebook, Threads, and Instagram.
At the same time, Meta’s shift in the causes of hostile behavior is also important. Hate speech was previously banned because such speech “creates an atmosphere of oppression and in some cases incites actual violence.” These reasons have now been removed.
Concerns of experts:-
Ben Liner, a business school lecturer at the University of Virginia, expressed serious concern over the policy change. “This move will increase hate speech and misinformation on social media, leading to the risk of actual violence. Countries like Myanmar have used Facebook to incite violence against minorities before, and this history is likely to repeat itself,” he said.
In 2018, Meta admitted that its platform had been misused to incite violence against the Muslim Rohingya minority in Myanmar.
Hazardous Materials Policy Relaxation Arturo Bejar, former director of engineering at Meta, said, “The relaxation of hazardous materials policies could have a serious impact on the younger generation.” He further explained that henceforth Meta will only take action based on user reports, which will not lead to timely bans.
Meta said it will focus its automated systems only on “serious and illegal violations,” including terrorism, child sexual abuse, drugs, fraud, and scams.
Bejar also noted that, “Meta knew that by the time the report was received, the material would have been at great risk.” They accused Meta of a lack of transparency and expressed displeasure at ignoring the harmful effects on teenagers.
That is, by the time the report is received, the content may have become a major risk.” He accused Meta of a lack of transparency and expressed displeasure at ignoring the harmful effects on teenagers.
Consequences and concerns:-
According to experts, these changes will increase abuse on social media. In particular, the threat to minorities and vulnerable groups will increase. Meta’s decision appears to be an attempt to reduce business costs, but it is likely to increase hatred and misunderstanding in the community.
Remedies needed:-
Experts have said that there is a need to rethink these policies and maintain transparency in the policies. The government has also felt the need to exercise more control over social media policies.
