Connect with us

Tech

Facebook moves to address online bullying, harassment

Published

on

Zuckerberg's refusal to attend UK hearing forced seizure of documents, reports say

Facebook has added new tools in a bid to stop bullying and harassment on social media.

The new tools and programs are meant to help users control “unwanted, offensive or hurtful experiences on Facebook,” its global head of safety Antigone Davis, said in a blog post.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe on Facebook,” Davis said.

The new tools will enable users to hide or delete groups of comments, including responses, instead of having to remove them one at a time, according to Davis.

According to reports, the feature will roll over first on desktop computers and Android-powered mobile devices, and with a promise to roll out versions of the application on Apple gadgets in coming months, while also allowing users to report bullying or harassment on behalf of friends reluctant to complain to the social network themselves.

“Being the target of unwanted attention can be stressful and some people may not feel comfortable reporting a bully or harasser.

Read also: WhatsApp co-founder says he’s a sell-out for allowing Facebook acquire his company

“If you see a friend or family member being bullied or harassed, now you can report someone on their behalf”, Davis said.

A team at Facebook reviews complaints to determine whether reported posts violate policies at the social network.

An appeals process implemented earlier this year regarding photos, videos, or posts taken down due to hateful, violent, or sexually explicit content will extend to decisions regarding bullying, according to Facebook.

“You will soon be able to ask for a further review if you report a piece of content for bullying or harassment and you think we made a mistake in determining whether it violates our policies,” Davis added.

Facebook is also testing ways to let users search for or block words considered offensive in comment sections of their posts.

 

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now