Facebook ploughs $1m into marketing against hate speech in the EU
Facebook has invested in stamping out hate speech on the European wing of the site, according to executives from the company.
The social network on Monday launched the 'Initiative for Civil Courage Online' in Berlin. Over $1m has been devoted to marketing against racism on the site, which has reportedly flared up in response to the European refugee crisis.
The scheme, led by Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's chief operational officer, brings together resources from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalization and Political Violence (ICSR), the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) and the Amadeu Antonio Foundation.
Based in Berlin, the initiative for civil courage online will aid a number of EU NGOs battle extremism.
Sandberg said: “Facebook is not a place for the dissemination of hate speech or incitement to violence. With this new initiative we can better understand the challenges of extremist statements on the Internet and better respond to them.
“The best cure for bad ideas are good ideas. The best remedy for hate is tolerance. Counter Speech is incredibly strong - and it takes time, energy and courage.”