Twitter to work with LGBT rights group in bid to tackle homophobic abuse
Twitter has created a new ‘safety’ board of organisations intended to tackle the problem of hate speech on the platform.
The social media giant has long been candid about its issues dealing with anonymous abuse, with many complaining it has become a breeding ground for racist, misogynistic and homophobic trolls.
It today unveiled a new advisory board on the issue as it marks Safer Internet Day 2016 – following pressure to improve reporting tools on the platform to tackle trolls, and flag up people in danger.
The new council, which will provide input on Twitter’s safety policy, includes LGBT media organisation GLAAD, as part of a wide range of charities and NGOs – from the Samaritans to the Jewish Anti-Defamation League.
Patricia Cartes, Twitter’s Head of Global Policy Outreach, explained: “On Twitter, every voice has the power to shape the world. We see this power every day, from activists who use Twitter to mobilize citizens to content creators who use Twitter to shape opinion.
“To ensure people can continue to express themselves freely and safely on Twitter, we must provide more tools and policies.
“With hundreds of millions of Tweets sent per day, the volume of content on Twitter is massive, which makes it extraordinarily complex to strike the right balance between fighting abuse and speaking truth to power.
“It requires a multi-layered approach where each of our 320 million users has a part to play, as do the community of experts working for safety and free expression.
She added: “That’s why we are announcing the formation of the Twitter Trust & Safety Council, a new and foundational part of our strategy to ensure that people feel safe expressing themselves on Twitter.
“As we develop products, policies, and programs, our Trust & Safety Council will help us tap into the expertise and input of organizations at the intersection of these issues more efficiently and quickly.
“In developing the Council, we are taking a global and inclusive approach so that we can hear a diversity of voices from organizations.”
Brendan Davis of GLAAD added: “As a member of the Trust & Safety Council, GLAAD will help Twitter tap into the issues that our constituents care about, like accelerating acceptance for LGBT people.”
Twitter explains: “The Twitter Trust and Safety Council provides input on our safety products, policies, and programs.
“Twitter works with safety advocates, academics, and researchers; grassroots advocacy organizations that rely on Twitter to build movements; and community groups working to prevent abuse.”
