Facebook commits to a safe online environment
Facebook has committed to improving user safety and security and take steps to protect its users — especially women and children — from internet abuse.
The social media giant highlighted the steps they have taken in this regard at a virtual briefing for journalists and media personnel this afternoon.
Organised by Benchmark PR, the event was led by Amber Hawkes, Head of Safety Policy (Asia-Pacific) at Facebook. Facebook's emerging countries policy communications manager Amy Sawitta Lefevre was also present at the briefing.
At the start of the briefing, Amber stated that despite what detractors say, "creating a safe environment where over 2 billion people can share and connect is core to the company's business model." She argued that if not protected, people would stop using their services.
Through a presentation, Facebook claimed in 2019 they have spent more than $3.7 billion on safety and security, more than their entire revenue at the time of the company's Initial Price Offering (IPO). Currently 35,000 people are employed to protect user safety and security, and combined with the platform's Artificial Intelligence (AI) detection system, are capable of taking down 90% of harmful content before they are reported.
To ensure safety on their apps, Facebook has adopted a four-point approach, dubbed "pillars".
The first of the pillars is Partnership, where Facebook partners with local online safety experts to better adapt to the environment. Facebook currently has over 500 such partners globally.
This is followed by Policies, which covers a wide range of safety issues on the platform. Notable issues being addressed include impersonation or identity theft, graphic violence, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and child sexual exploitation.
The third is Tools, which gives users control over what they share, who they share it with, the content they see and experience, and who can contact them. Keeping women safe online is a key part of this pillar, with features such as the "ignore" option on Messenger being specially created from feedback provided by women.
Finally, the Resources pillar referred to help centres answering frequently asked questions, along with a few female dedicated portals such as #SheLeads and Not Without My Consent Hub. In light of the global coronavirus pandemic, the company has also set up a Covid-19 portal.
A brief Q&A session followed the presentation, where the hosts answered questions from the media.
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