Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – (African Boulevard News) – Facebook’s algorithms have been accused of “supercharging” hate speech and amplifying violence in Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict, according to a report by rights group Amnesty International.
The harrowing two-year conflict in the northern Tigray region has seen an unprecedented level of violence and displacement, with reports of mass killings and widespread sexual violence. Amidst the chaos, social media platforms like Facebook have played a significant role in disseminating information and shaping public opinion.
However, Amnesty International’s report highlights how Facebook’s algorithms have inadvertently contributed to the escalation of violence. The algorithms, designed to keep users engaged by showing them content similar to what they have interacted with in the past, inadvertently created echo chambers where hate speech and misinformation thrived.
Sam Dubberley, Head of Amnesty International’s Crisis Evidence Lab, expressed concern over the impact of Facebook’s algorithms on the conflict. He stated, “Facebook’s algorithms have effectively supercharged the spread of hate speech in Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict, fuelling ethnic tensions and contributing to the violence on the ground.”
The report also points out the inadequacy of Facebook’s moderation policies in preventing the spread of harmful content. Despite Facebook’s claims of investing in AI technology and human moderators to regulate hate speech, the platform has been unable to keep up with the rapid spread of misinformation and incendiary rhetoric.
In response to the allegations, Facebook issued a statement acknowledging the challenges it faces in Ethiopia. The company committed to improving its AI technology to detect and remove harmful content, as well as partnering with local organizations to promote digital literacy and responsible online behavior.
However, experts believe that Facebook needs to take more concrete measures to address the issue. Jawar Mohammed, a prominent Ethiopian activist, highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability from the social media giant. He stated, “Facebook needs to understand the gravity of the situation and take stronger action to prevent its platform from being manipulated to spread hate and incite violence.”
As the conflict in Tigray continues to escalate, it is crucial for social media platforms to prioritize the safety of their users and prevent their platforms from becoming breeding grounds for hate speech and misinformation. It is time for Facebook to step up and take responsibility for the role its algorithms have played in exacerbating the crisis.
While technology can be a powerful tool for communication and information sharing, it is essential that platforms like Facebook make concerted efforts to curb the spread of hate speech and promote peace and understanding. Failure to do so could have grave consequences for the people of Tigray and further exacerbate the already dire situation on the ground.
