MBR_ISSUE 52_JUNE-compressed (5)

MALTA
BUSINESS REVIEW
Malta Business Review
A 2018 eurobarometer survey found that Malta has the highest rate of
online hate speech across the EU. Hate speech and fake news are the
most visible elements of the online information disorder. Misleading
stories have always existed and have impacted public opinion,
generated emotional reactions and played a role in shaping the public
sphere, as have incitement to violence or hatred. However, there is
growing awareness that the unprecedented reach of digital platforms
has amplified their detrimental effect.
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Martin Vella
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Marcelle D’Argy Smith
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Margaret Brincat
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CONTRIBUTORS
George Carol; Claire Coe Smith; Nadine Delicata;
Nigel Green;Jessica Higgins; James Holland;
Laura Morales Rodriguez
SPECIAL THANKS
DOI; Edwards Lowell & Co; European Parliament
Information Office in Malta; European Parliament,
Directorate- General for Communication/Press
Office; European Research Council; EU VoteWatch;
Gozo Business Chamber; GOPAcom/ESP/EC; HSBC;
LinkedIn; MORGEN EUROPA; POLITICO SPRL;
Politico Playbook; PTV Group; Taylor & Francis
Group; Virgin
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At national and EU level regulatory, civil society and media initiatives
exist or are being developed to tackle hate speech and fake news. Do
these initiatives work and how can freedom of expression be safeguarded? Do we need a
more effective regulatory initiatives and is it enough to only address two elements of the
information disorder?
Using a definition of “fake news” from Jonathan Zittrain, co-founder of Harvard University’s
Berkman Klein Center on Internet & Society, who describes the term based on intent. Fake
news, by this definition, is that which is “wilfully false,” meaning a story “that the person saying
or repeating knows to be untrue or is indifferent to whether it is true or false.” Fake news has
also figured in propaganda campaigns organized by governments or political parties, as well as
a variety of other online communities organizing on platforms
“Fake news is the canary in the digital coal mine,” says London School of Economics professor
Charlie Beckett. “It is a symptom of a much wider systemic challenge around the value and
credibility of information and the way that we—socially, politically, economically—are going to
handle the threats and opportunities of new communication technologies.” Researchers cite
growing evidence of highly sophisticated, persistent, long-term campaigns of disinformation—
intentionally false or misleading information— organized by both government and non-state
actors. Meanwhile, hate speech has become part of the fabric of the burgeoning internet
advertising business. In response, many advertisers, leery of the risk to brand reputations,
have halted hundreds of millions of euros in digital ad purchases. Ultimately, many companies
profit from the rapid spread of information, no matter the content.
“Hate speech” is generally defined as news and “information that offends, threatens, or insults
groups, based on race, colour, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or other
traits.” Hate speech can also refer to information or news stories that are intentionally framed
to incite hate or anger against a certain group. Such content may or may not include elements
of “fake news.”
The deeper issue driving the spread of disinformation and hate speech online is an entrenched
environment of social and cultural division. Technology platforms have an obligation to help
bridge that divide, not ignore or exacerbate it. The design imperative is clear: Develop social,
technical, economic, and political structures that allow people to understand, appreciate, and
bridge different viewpoints.
To prevent and counter the spread of illegal hate speech online, in May 2016, the European
Commission agreed with Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter and YouTube a “Code of conduct
on countering illegal hate speech online” to help users notifying illegal hate speech in this
social platforms, improve the support to civil society as well as the coordination with national
authorities. Malta must begin the debate that the U.K. and Australia have had on regulating
harmful online content. When it comes to “redoubling” their efforts to deal with these issues,
our government should take the lead, not Facebook.
There should be just as little tolerance for criminal rabble rousing on social networks as on
the street. Whatever course technology takes, it’s clear that the internet and technology
companies that drive the 21 st century’s social media platforms and search engines need to
demonstrate leadership that is substantive and long-term. At the outset of this report, we
noted that at birth, the leading internet companies were simply technology platforms; over
the years, they have grown into brokers of content and truth on a global scale. It is time they
acknowledged and accepted that role and responsibility.
Wishing you a good read.
Martin Vella
Editor-in-Chief
Malta Business Review’s editorial opinions are decided by its Editor, and besides reflecting the Editor’s
opinion, are written to represent a fair and impartial representation of facts, events and provide a correct
analysis of local and international news.
Agents for:
www.maltabusinessreview.net
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