This week Facebook became embroiled in a(nother) fight about what content the company should allow on its social network. Before reading further, know that I do not support nor do I endorse any of the racist/sexist/hateful content discusses below.
The latest fight Facebook finds itself in is over removing (or not removing) misogynistic content, sometimes mild at other times graphic. The posts in question involve pro-rape and pro-partner abuse groups and user generated content.
RULES
Facebook has rules about what content is and is not permitted on the site and hate speech is included. And the crux of the issue is first what constitutes “hate speech” and what is protected “hate speech.” And the good news for me is that The New Republic already covered the issue in great depth in their article The Delete Squad. The bad news for Facebook, and any social network, is that no matter which position the company takes it is going to anger a lot of users.
Not to rewrite The Delete Squad, writing these guidelines is a challenge for any social network and ultimately will lead to ridicule for any company that tries to define what is and is not acceptable. The Delete Squad says,
Facebook allows caricatures that depict members of protected groups doing unflattering things, as well as attacks on their faith or leaders. It’s only when a user categorically reviles a protected group that he crosses the line: “I hate Islam” or “I hate the Pope” is fine; “I hate Muslims” or “I hate Catholics” is not.
So what is at question in the case of the recent controversy is the “hate speech” and “humorous content.” Facebook’s own community guidelines as of this writing say:
Facebook does not permit hate speech, but distinguishes between serious and humorous speech. While we encourage you to challenge ideas, institutions, events, and practices, we do not permit individuals or groups to attack others based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability or medical condition.