Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other executives are now in the center of a probe. Germany is conducting an investigation over the tech company's lack of action against online hate speech. The country does not tolerate hate and abuse as evident of its strict laws.
The Probe On Facebook Executives
According to German media Spiegel, a German persecutor has named Zuckerberg, Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sanberg, European Facebook executives Richard Allan and Eva Maria Kirschsieper in a preliminary investigation. Apparently, this was prompted by a lawsuit filed a year ago by Chan-jo Jun.
Prosecutors have confirmed it to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). The Local also reports that the complaint cited a series of posting which was reported to Facebook. However, the tech company did not delete those postings that may have been hateful.
Apparently, Facebook either ignored the complaint or just replied saying that the said posts were "harmless". It should be noted that Facebook is actually legally required to remove or delete all contents that incite hatred.
Online Hate Speech
Facebook has released a statement that the said allegations lack merit. They also said that there has been no violation of German law. Facebook also insisted that there is no place for hate on their site. Furthermore, they actually work with partners to combat hate speech and foster counter speech.
According to Mashable, the probe and lawsuit might be a part of Germany's broad crackdown against online hate speech. The Associated Press had previously reported that both Facebook and Twitter would be both obligated to improve their actions towards hate speech.
A German justice minister warned them to do that. Otherwise, they will face legal action. A study revealed that Facebook removed 46 percent of flagged posts for hate speech.
Germany Is Against Online Hate Speech
The fact that Germany does not tolerate hate speech may have stemmed from its history. Its current laws are strictly implemented to protect minority groups. Anti-Semitism is the most common issue. But the controversial hate speech towards refugees entering the country at present is taking the spotlight.