I’ve just read a new report by Dr. Andre Oboler (a web 2.0 and hate speech specialist) available online concerning Facebook’s recent responses (and lack of them) to groups which promote anti-semitism and Holocaust denial on its social network. We first covered the issue on this blog back in July, and sadly the situation since then has changed little since then. Though some of the groups have now been removed, it is disheartening that this came only after media attention forced the hand of Facebook – who had been aware of such groups for months.
Dr Oboler’s report covers in detail Facebook’s history and initial responses to being made aware of such groups, and its treatment of the issue during May 2009 when media attention on the topic was at its peak. Perhaps the most alarming section of the report is the part outlining the official statement of Facebook spokespman Barry Schnitt. Here’s a segment:
‘When dealing with user generated content on global websites, there are occasions where content that is illegal in one country, is not (or may even be protected) in another. For example, homosexual content is illegal in some countries, but that does not mean it should be removed from Facebook. Most companies approach this issue by preventing certain content from being shown to users in the countries where it is illegal and that is our approach as well. We have recently begun to block content by IP [the “address” of a computer on the internet] in countries where that content is illegal, including Nazi-related and holocaust denial content in certain European countries. The groups in question have been blocked in the appropriate countries.’
So, basically this is how it works as far as Facebook is concerned: if you hate homosexuals – and are lucky enough to live in a country which encourages this by virtue of making homosexual activity/content illegal – then good for you, Facebook is happy to help you hate away, since both parties are protected by national law. Similarly, if you hate Jews or whoever else then – and here’s the important bit: as long as it is legal to voice your hatreds under national laws, and legal for Facebook to facilitate this, then everything’s ok: hate away as much and as often as you like!
Great – so much for setting an example as a world-leading progressive company, which seeks to provide a ‘safe place on the internet’ for all users. It seems this ‘safe’ virtual place is only available to those for whom their country’s laws provide a safe real place – otherwise Facebook is happy to mimic the national government’s facilitation of homophobia/anti-semitism/whatever other hate happens to keep the local bigots and thugs entertained…
Dejan Levi
