The audit recommends a „civil rights infrastructure“ for the social media giant, but its suggestions aren’t binding.
A two-year audit of Facebook’s civil rights record found „serious setbacks“ that have marred the social network’s progress on hate speech, misinformation and bias. The findings come as the social media giant grapples with a revolt from major advertisers amid criticism it is letting hateful or false posts go unchecked.
Facebook hired the audit’s leader, former American Civil Liberties Union executive Laura Murphy, in May 2018 to assess its performance on vital social issues. Its 100-page report, released Wednesday, outlines a „seesaw of progress and setbacks“ at the company on everything from bias in Facebook’s algorithms to its content moderation, advertising practices and treatment of voter suppression.
The audit recommends that Facebook build a „civil rights infrastructure“ into every aspect of the company, as well as a „stronger interpretation“ of existing voter suppression policies and more concrete action on algorithmic bias. Those suggestions are not binding, and there is no formal system in place to hold Facebook accountable for any of the audit’s findings.
The report said its findings applies to every Facebook user who „will benefit from a platform that reduces discrimination, builds inclusion and tamps down on hate speech activity.
