Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is facing a significant legal challenge in Kenya, where a high court has allowed a £1.8 billion lawsuit to proceed.
The lawsuit accuses the tech giant of exacerbating violence in Ethiopia, particularly during the civil conflict in the Tigray region. The case highlights the growing scrutiny of social media platforms and their role in global conflicts.
Key Takeaways
- Meta is being sued for £1.8 billion over claims it incited violence in Ethiopia.
- The lawsuit was initiated by two Ethiopian nationals, including the son of a murder victim.
- Claimants demand changes to Facebook’s content moderation policies and a restitution fund for victims.
- The case has garnered support from various non-profit organizations.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit stems from allegations that Facebook’s platform was used to spread hate speech and incite violence during the Ethiopian civil war, which has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement.
One of the claimants, Abrham Meareg, lost his father, Professor Meareg Amare Abrha, who was murdered after his personal information was shared on Facebook alongside threatening posts.
The other claimant, Fisseha Tekle, a former Amnesty International researcher, has faced death threats on the platform due to his work documenting violence in the Tigray region. Both claimants argue that Facebook’s algorithms promote harmful content, contributing to the violence in Ethiopia.
Legal Proceedings
The Kenyan high court’s ruling allows the case to move forward, rejecting Meta’s argument that it should not be subject to Kenyan law. The court’s decision is seen as a significant step in holding tech companies accountable for their role in global conflicts.
Abrham Meareg expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, stating, “It is disgraceful that Meta would argue that they should not be subject to the rule of law in Kenya.
African lives matter.” Fisseha Tekle echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for Meta to improve its content moderation practices to prevent further harm.
Demands of the Claimants
The lawsuit seeks several key changes and reparations from Meta, including:
- Algorithm Changes: A demand for Facebook to modify its algorithms to prevent the promotion of hateful and violent content.
- Increased Moderation: The claimants are calling for more content moderators based in Africa to better manage and monitor posts that could incite violence.
- Restitution Fund: A proposed $2.4 billion fund to support victims of violence and hate speech facilitated by the platform.
- Formal Apology: The claimants are also seeking a formal apology from Meta for the role its platform played in the murder of Professor Meareg.
Meta’s Response
In response to the allegations, Meta has maintained that it has invested in safety measures to combat hate speech and misinformation on its platform. The company has previously stated that it is committed to addressing illegal content and high-severity violations, although it has also reduced the number of fact-checkers and censorship on the platform.
As the case progresses, it will likely draw further attention to the responsibilities of social media companies in moderating content and their impact on global issues. The outcome could set a precedent for how tech companies are held accountable for their role in conflicts around the world.