Facebook Ad Boycott Extends Beyond July: ‘Everyone Agrees Facebook Has Got To Change’

TOPLINE

Unsatisfied with Facebook’s response to hate speech and misinformation on the platform, a #StopHateForProfit organizer told Forbes the advertising boycott is extending beyond July, with many major companies on board. 

KEY FACTS

Key Background 

Though it originally resisted pressure from the boycott, Facebook later responded to campaign demands by announcing it would hire a civil rights executive, establish a team to study algorithmic bias, release the results of a civil rights audit, remove content from hateful movements and problematic groups, and conduct an independent audit of hate content. Nonetheless, Greenblatt said Facebook remains a “cesspool” of bigotry and advertisers want solutions. 

News Peg 

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg addressed issues of misinformation and bigotry on the platform at the House Judiciary Committee’s antitrust hearing on Wednesday. In particular, Zuckerberg was pressed on a viral video—shared millions of times earlier this week—that circulated misleading claims about coronavirus. “Doesn’t that suggest, Mr. Zuckerberg, your platform is so big that even with the right policies in place, you can’t contain deadly content?” Rep. David Cicilline asked. Zuckerberg rebuffed, saying with “Covid misinformation in particular,” the platform has a strong track-record of taking down false content. 

Crucial Quote 

“Mark specifically said that 89% of hate speech is identified and taken down before users even see it,” said Greenblatt. “If your product is only 89% effective, that’s a failure.”

Further Reading

“Facebook Continues Missteps On Hate Speech And Misinformation” (Forbes)

“Internal Audit Slams Facebook’s ‘Inadequate’ Civil Rights Approach As Companies Boycott” (Forbes)

“Facebook Responds As LEGO, Dunkin Donuts Join Over 500 Companies In Growing Boycott” (Forbes)