Orwellian references are invoked to the point of cliche, but big tech sure makes them hard to resist.
The latest temptress is Mark ZuckerbergsMeta.
In a move redolent of1984sTwo Minutes Hate, the company has temporarily permitted calls for violence and deaths.
The social media behemoth has provisionally permitted hate speech in certainFacebookandInstagramposts.
Theres no need to worry, however: the malice can only target Meta-approved baddies.
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This new acceptance of hatred has been accompanied by a more affectionate exemption.
These dispensations arrive in horrific circumstances.
However, Metas exemption has opened up a huge can of worms.
The company maintains a secret blacklist of Dangerous Individuals and Organizations that critics say punishes certain communities.
Accepting calls for violence against Russians is also a risky move for a company thats beenblamed for inciting genocide.
Inevitably, the temporary exemptions have sparked fury in Russia.
Russia had previouslyblocked access to Facebookin retaliation for restrictions on state-owned media.
These reactions haveheightened concernsthat Russia is slipping into a different version of the internet.
A conflict that imperils the borders of nations now also threatens to Balkanize the web.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
