Role of Tech Companies in the Spread of Hate and Extremism

Nowhere does hate, disinformation, and far-right extremism thrive more than online and on social media platforms. Tech companies are complicit in -- and profit from -- the recruitment efforts of hate and extremist groups as well as the messaging and advertising of extreme political candidates and the politically powerful.

From the lead up to the Jan. 6th insurrection in the United States, to the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar, to the election of political candidates spreading xenophobic and extremist messages, social media has played a role in radicalizing people and spreading extremism.

There is no doubt that online hate and extremism cause real world harm and can undermine democracies. This trend is global.

Tech companies have a responsibility to their billions of users and to the global citizenry. There are steps they can take to ensure that their platforms are no longer used to foment hate, organize violent events, or allow leaders to oppress their citizens.