Facebook to curb hate speech as Indian states go to polls
Facebook is the largest market by India users. Its WhatsApp chat service is one of the most popular in the country, with around 500 million users.
Facebook said that it is taking steps to deal with foul language and misinformation in India as the world's largest democracy started multi-phase elections in four big states months ago.
A blog post on March 30 stated, "We believe that there is some type of content, such as abusive language, that can cause imminent, offline harm."
Facebook is the largest market by India users. Its WhatsApp chat service is one of the most popular in the country, with around 500 million users.
Facebook has been under fire globally for alleged lapses in controlling hate speeches. In the United States, the social media giant imposed a month-long freeze on political, electoral and social advertisements to crack down on misinformation and abuses about the November 3 presidential election.
The manner in which the company's top lobbyists suggested social media networks regulate political content in the country last year in favor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party after the Wall Street Journal reported in India.
Opposition parties questioned the company's policy following the report, but said Nokia-based company Meno Park "committed to being an open and transparent platform."
Elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala and Union Territory of Puducherry are a test of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity amid fierce protests by farmers against the new agricultural laws introduced at home and abroad.
"To reduce the risk of problematic content going viral in these states and inciting violence before or during the election, we will significantly reduce the distribution of content that our proactive detection technology identifies as potential hate speech or violence And as provocative does it, ”Facebook said.
The company has also prepared an Election Day reminder to give voters accurate information and encourage them to share it with friends on Facebook and WhatsApp.
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