A family in Ethiopia is suing Facebook over its alleged role in the killing of a chemistry professor during the country’s civil war, claiming the platform’s algorithm amplified posts that directly incited violence against him, including his photo and home address. Legal action against the social media company is now underway in multiple countries, with other governments reportedly considering similar cases. The lawsuit, supported by a nonprofit organization, highlights how targeted online harassment can escalate into real-world harm. Critics argue the case raises urgent questions about social media platforms’ responsibility in preventing violence fueled by their algorithms.
Other governments could seek similar concessions, while separate legal action is pending in places ranging from Kenya to the NetherlandsIn October 2021, Abrham Meareg’s father, a professor of chemistry in Ethiopia’s northern town of Bahir Dar, was shot at close range and died outside his family home. This was in the middle of the country’s civil war.For weeks, Facebook’s algorithm had actively promoted posts calling for the academic to be murdered, according to Meareg and Foxglove, a nonprofit organisation supporting Meareg’s lawsuit against the company in Kenya. These posts included photos of his father and his home address. Continue reading...
