In recent days, it has become clear that our systems to identify and remove hate speech have failed to work as effectively as we would like, particylarly around issues of gender-based hate,..
The social network's decision is the culmination of a campaign and boycott by activist group Women, Action and The Media (WAM). WAM kicked off its campaign last week with an open letter to Facebook that spelled out the organization's concerns and listed what it wanted the social network to do to address violence against women -- specifically recognize pages with gender-based violence as hate speech and remove such content. WAM cited recent United Nations statistics that show 70 percent of women and girls around the world have experienced violence in their lifetimes. The group argued that allowing such content on the social network added to the normalization of domestic and sexual violence against women.
Under Facebook's Statement of Rights and Responsibilities, hate speech is prohibited. The social network actively pulls pages and comments that are offensive to different people's race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. However, until now, gender-based hate speech wasn't necessarily removed.
In addressing WAM's concerns, Facebook said that it would take immediate steps to halt those pages that encourage or make fun of violence against women. WAM has since applauded Facebook's efforts and will be working with the social network to be part of an ongoing conversation about gender-based violence.
"We are hopeful that this moment will mark an historic transition in relation to media and women's rights in which Facebook is acknowledged as a leader in fostering safer, genuinely inclusive online communities, setting industry precedents for others to follow," WAM wrote in a blog post. "We look forward to collaborating with these communities on actions both big and small until we live in a world that's safe and just for women and girls, and for everyone
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