Meta releases human rights report

The Facebook and Instagram parent company said the report covers its responses during 2020 and 2021 to emerging crises and human rights concerns in various countries — both arising from and amplified by its own products. In addition to explaining responses to specific emergencies such as COVID-19, the report also tried to explain Meta’s general policies about such topics as hate speech, cooperation with government oversight, and its stance on human rights protections. Meta claimed that during the pandemic it amplified the reach of “authoritative” content and capped the reach of alleged misinformation.

Why does this matter? The report comes after human rights groups have criticized the company for its failure to stop its platforms from being used as avenues for hate and hostility during religious protests in India. Thursday’s report also follows criticisms over the past year that the company made an effort to attract teen users to its platforms even as it knew its products negatively affected young people.

Dig deeper: Read Maryrose Delahunty’s report from the WORLD Archives about privacy concerns over how police are using facial recognition to help solve crimes.