A Kenyan court has permitted a lawsuit against Meta, alleging that Facebook played a role in inciting violence during Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict. The plaintiffs claim that the platform promoted hate speech through its algorithms. They demand a $2.4 billion restitution fund and reforms to combat online hate. Meta denies these allegations, asserting its commitment to safety and moderation.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is currently facing a significant lawsuit in Kenya over claims that its platform contributed to ethnic violence during the Tigray conflict in Ethiopia. The Kenyan High Court has permitted the lawsuit to continue, which is focused on allegations of promoting hate speech and violent content on Facebook. This decision signifies a pivotal moment in holding technology companies accountable for the material they disseminate.
The plaintiffs in this case, two Ethiopian nationals and the Katiba Institute, contend that Facebook’s algorithms magnified harmful content that incited violence between 2020 and 2022. One plaintiff, Abrham Meareg, experienced a personal tragedy with the murder of his father, Professor Meareg Amare, after his address was shared on Facebook together with violent threats. Additionally, the other claimant, Fisseha Tekle, encountered severe online hate due to his reporting on the conflict following his previous role with Amnesty International.
The plaintiffs seek a restitution fund of $2.4 billion for victims and call for reforms to Facebook’s content moderation algorithms to mitigate the spread of hate speech. In response, Meta has denied these allegations, asserting that it has made significant investments in safety and content moderation. The company further claims that local courts lack jurisdiction to adjudicate cases against it when it is not officially registered in those jurisdictions.
This ruling underscores the emerging demand for accountability from technology companies and reinforces the ethical responsibilities that social media platforms hold regarding the control and distribution of harmful content. Mandi Mudarikwa from Amnesty International commented, “This ruling offers hope that marginalized groups can access justice no matter where they are in the world,” emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of how countries outside of the US and Europe are treated by corporations seeking profit without accountability.
In conclusion, the Kenyan court’s decision to allow the lawsuit against Meta signals a critical juncture in the quest for accountability among technology companies. As allegations of inciting violence through social media take center stage, it underscores the pressing need for regulatory reforms in content moderation practices. This case highlights the potential for justice for marginalized groups and may pave the way for more stringent oversight of tech giants globally.
Original Source: northafricapost.com
