Facebook to curb hate speech in India

The fact-checkers will provide people with additional context about the content they see on Facebook, including in Assamese, the main language of the regions where the election is being held.
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NEW DELHI:

Facebook, on Wednesday, said it has invested in a proactive technology to detect and reduce new words associated with hate speech.

"We recognise that there are certain types of content, such as hate speech, that could lead to imminent, offline harm," Facebook said in a blog post.

The company has also pledged to reduce the distribution of content from the accounts found to have repeatedly violated its policies. It added it has partnered with eight third-party fact-checking organisations to tackle misinformation during elections.

The fact-checkers will provide people with additional context about the content they see on Facebook, including in Assamese, the main language of the regions where the election is being held.

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According to its policy, any content offering to buy or sell votes in exchange for cash or kind will be removed. 

It will also remove explicit claims such as “you will contract Covid-19” if you vote or “do not go to vote as everyone will get the disease”.

“Facebook recognises its role in creating an informed society. Thus, it will also be reminding people to exercise their right to vote. Facebook has come up with Election Day reminders to give voters accurate information and encourage voters,” the company said.