Microsoft combats hate speech based on gender, disability, religion, age, and mo

[MikeWB]

The internet and web together are two of mankind's greatest inventions. Not only do they put an infinite amount of information at people's fingertips, but they connect the globe too. We may take it for granted, but being able to video chat with someone on the other side of the planet, for example, is downright amazing.

While the internet has the ability to bring out the best in humanity, it also shines a light on some of its worst, sadly. In other words, there is a lot of hate on the web, and it can be downright ugly -- just look at YouTube comments! Heck, some presidential campaigns are even based on hate, but I digress. Today, Microsoft announces that it is increasing its efforts to combat hate speech that is hosted on its own services.

"Microsoft is committed to creating safe online communities where our customers can learn, play, grow and interact without the threat of violence or hatred. That's why for many years we've sought to protect our customers by prohibiting hate speech and removing such content from our hosted consumer services. While neither our principles nor our policies are changing, we are refining some of our processes to make it easier for customers to report hate speech. We're also simplifying requests to reinstate content that customers feel was removed in error", says Jacqueline Beauchere, Chief Online Safety Officer, Microsoft.

Beauchere further explains, "beyond streamlining the means for reporting, we're working with the broader internet community to combat offensive content online. We work with governments, online safety advocates and other technology companies to ensure there is no place on our hosted consumer services for conduct that incites violence and hate. As one example, Microsoft recently joined major social media and video-sharing firms in support of the European Commission Code of Conduct countering illegal hate speech online -- a joint effort to stop unlawful public incitement to violence and hatred across Europe"

Microsoft shares some of the categorizes on which it will be focusing below.

    Age
    Disability
    Gender
    National or ethnic origin
    Race
    Religion
    Sexual orientation/gender identity

If you see speech that should be removed, you can alert Microsoft here. Keep in mind, just because something offends you does not necessarily mean it offends everyone. Microsoft doesn't have to remove it. Ultimately, it will be at the Windows-maker's discretion.

While some will call this an attack on the first amendment, it actually isn't. Since this only applies to Microsoft's own hosted services -- which it owns -- it can do what it likes. You are free to create your own website and be as hateful as you want. Being nice might be a better alternative, however.

If you are a creator and some of your content is impacted, all is not lost. Of course, things can be removed in error. If this happens, you can appeal using the form found here. With that said, if your speech is hate filled, maybe rather than ask for reinstatement, you should take a look in the mirror and reflect on why you feel the need to be angry and hateful.

What do you think of Microsoft's renewed focus on combating hate speech? Tell me in the comments.

http://betanews.com/2016/08/26/microsoft-hate-speech/