Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa Tells Tech Companies: Now Is The Time To ‘Do Something’

In a powerful call to action, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa has urged tech companies to take responsibility for their role in spreading disinformation and undermining democracy. Speaking at a recent conference, Ressa emphasized that the time for words is over, and it’s now time for tech giants to take concrete action to address the harm caused by their platforms.

Ressa, a Filipino journalist and co-founder of Rappler, a Philippine news site, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 for her courageous work in exposing corruption and holding those in power accountable. Her remarks come at a critical moment, as the world grapples with the consequences of social media’s impact on global politics, public discourse, and individual lives.

The tech industry has long been criticized for its role in facilitating the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and propaganda. Despite repeated promises to do better, the problem persists, with devastating consequences. Ressa’s message is clear: it’s time for tech companies to stop talking about their commitment to democracy and start taking tangible steps to protect it.

Ressa’s own experience is a testament to the dangers of unchecked social media power. As a vocal critic of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, she has faced relentless online harassment, death threats, and even arrest. Her news site, Rappler, has been targeted by trolls and bots, seeking to discredit its reporting and intimidate its journalists. Ressa’s story is not an isolated one; journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens around the world have faced similar attacks, often with devastating consequences.

The tech industry’s response to these concerns has been inadequate, Ressa argues. While companies like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have implemented some measures to combat misinformation, they have been insufficient and often half-hearted. Ressa points out that these companies have the resources, expertise, and influence to make a meaningful difference, but they have chosen not to do so.

So, what can tech companies do to “do something”? Ressa offers several concrete steps:

1. Invest in fact-checking and verification: Tech companies must invest in robust fact-checking mechanisms to identify and remove false information from their platforms.
2. Implement transparent algorithms: Algorithms that prioritize engagement and profit over truth and accuracy must be reformed to prioritize credible sources and diverse perspectives.
3. Hold users accountable: Tech companies must take responsibility for enforcing their own community standards and holding users accountable for spreading hate speech, misinformation, and harassment.
4. Support independent media: Tech companies can support independent media outlets and journalists, providing them with resources and protection to continue their critical work.
5. Collaborate with governments and civil society: Tech companies must work with governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to develop and implement effective regulations and standards for online discourse.

Ressa’s call to action is not just a moral imperative; it’s a matter of survival. As she warned, “If we don’t do something, we will lose our democracies, and we will lose our humanity.” The tech industry has a unique opportunity to shape the future of online discourse and protect the foundations of democracy. It’s time for them to take responsibility and act.

The world is watching, and the clock is ticking. Will tech companies heed Ressa’s call and take concrete steps to address the harm caused by their platforms? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the fate of democracy and the future of humanity depend on it.