A collaborative campaign called #SecureOurSocials, led by Human Rights Watch and several other organizations, is calling on Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to take stronger measures to ensure the safety of all users, especially lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. The campaign is based on a report by Human Rights Watch, which highlights the offline consequences faced by LGBT people in the Middle East and North Africa as a result of digital targeting by security forces. The report reveals that security forces use social media platforms to entrap and harass LGBT individuals and gather evidence for prosecutions.
Rasha Younes, the acting LGBT rights deputy director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the need for Meta to play a leadership role in making social media safe for all users. LGBT individuals use Facebook and Instagram to connect and organize, and they should have confidence that Meta is actively ensuring their security. However, many LGBT individuals have reported instances of harassment and abuse on these platforms, with little response from Meta.
To raise awareness about the issue, Human Rights Watch partnered with Anya Kneez, a Lebanese drag queen pioneer, to create an explainer video and an awareness guide with safety tips for LGBT individuals using social media. The #SecureOurSocials campaign provides various recommendations for Meta to enhance user safety, such as disclosing annual investments in user safety and security and providing justifications for different regions.
While Meta’s policies prohibit online abuse, Human Rights Watch found that the company often fails to consistently apply these rules, resulting in discriminatory content targeting LGBT individuals remaining on the platforms. The campaign emphasizes the responsibility of social media companies to respect human rights, particularly the principles of non-discrimination, privacy, and freedom of expression. Additionally, governments in the Middle East and North Africa are urged to protect LGBT individuals and enact laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Meta has been in discussions with Human Rights Watch regarding these concerns but has yet to provide a written response. The company is now being called upon to prioritize the security of its users and play a greater role in preventing harm against LGBT individuals using its platforms.
FAQ section regarding the main topics and information presented in the article:
1. What is the #SecureOurSocials campaign all about?
The #SecureOurSocials campaign is an initiative led by Human Rights Watch and several other organizations, calling on Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to take greater action in ensuring the safety of its users, particularly lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. The campaign is based on a report by Human Rights Watch, which highlights the consequences faced by LGBT people in the Middle East and North Africa as a result of digital targeting by security forces. The report reveals that security forces use social media platforms to entrap and harass LGBT individuals and gather evidence for prosecutions.
2. Why does Human Rights Watch demand greater accountability from Meta?
Rasha Younes, the acting LGBT rights deputy director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the need for Meta to play a leading role in ensuring the safety of social media for everyone. LGBT individuals use Facebook and Instagram to connect and organize, and they should feel confident that Meta is actively ensuring their security. However, many LGBT individuals have reported instances of harassment and abuse on these platforms, with limited response from Meta.
3. How does the #SecureOurSocials campaign raise awareness about this issue?
Human Rights Watch collaborated with Anya Kneez, a Lebanese drag queen pioneer, to create an informative video and a guide with safety tips for LGBT individuals using social media. The #SecureOurSocials campaign provides various recommendations for Meta to enhance user safety, such as disclosing annual investments in user safety and security and providing justifications for different regions.
4. What are the findings of Human Rights Watch’s report regarding Meta’s policy on online discrimination?
While Meta’s policies prohibit online abuse, Human Rights Watch found that the company often inconsistently applies these rules, resulting in discriminatory content targeting LGBT individuals remaining on the platforms. The campaign stresses the responsibility of social media companies to respect human rights, particularly the principles of nondiscrimination, privacy, and freedom of expression. Additionally, governments in the Middle East and North Africa are urged to protect LGBT individuals and enact laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
5. What actions are expected from Meta in response to these issues?
Meta is currently in discussions with Human Rights Watch regarding these concerns but has not provided a written response yet. The company is now being urged to prioritize the security of its users and take a greater role in preventing harm against LGBT individuals using its platforms.
Key term definitions or jargon used in the article:
1. #SecureOurSocials: An initiative led by Human Rights Watch and other organizations aimed at raising awareness about the safety of LGBT individuals using social media platforms, particularly Facebook and Instagram, and urging Meta, the parent company of these platforms, to take greater action in this regard.
2. LGBT: An acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender, referring to individuals with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
3. Drag queen activist: A person who uses drag queen art as a form of expression and activism, often in the fight against discrimination and raising social awareness.
4. MENA: An acronym for the Middle East and North Africa, referring to the region including countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, etc.
5. Security forces: Organizations responsible for public safety, such as the police, security services, etc.
Suggested related links to the main domain (not subpages) in the format of link_name, but only if you are certain that the URL_domain_address is 100% correct. Do not add links to example.com.
1. Human Rights Watch – Official website of Human Rights Watch, the organization leading the #SecureOurSocials campaign.
2. Meta – Official website of Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, which the #SecureOurSocials campaign is targeted toward.
3. Facebook – Official website of the social media platform Facebook, owned by Meta.
4. Instagram – Official website of the social media platform Instagram, owned by Meta.
5. Human Rights Watch – MENA – Information and publications by Human Rights Watch regarding human rights in the Middle East and North Africa region.
The source of the article is from the blog guambia.com.uy