Twitter CEO gives himself a ‘C’ in fight against online abuse
Dorsey says he hasn’t done enough to combat hate speech, bullying
Self-criticism can be difficult. Especially when you’re someone who is in the public eye and it can seem like everyone who knows your name is critical of every move you make.
Few know that feeling like Twitter Chief Executive Jack Dorsey. His company, along with other social-networking kingpins such as Facebook, has come under fire for what many think is their lack of effort to combat hate speech, bullying and so-called “fake news” on their sites. And at least with regards to fighting abusive online speech, Dorsey has admitted that neither he nor Twitter has done enough to crack down on that ongoing practice.
In an interview Tuesday on Twitter, Dorsey said he would give himself a “C” grade for “tech responsibility” in stopping online abuse and protecting its victims. Dorsey made his comments in an interview with Recode co-founder Kara Swisher.
In addition to grading himself, Dorsey said it that be believes Twitter has made progress against abusive tweets and communications, but “it has been scattered and not felt enough.” Dorsey also said it had been “a huge fail” that companies like Twitter have so far “put most of the burden on the victims of abuse.”
Dorsey didn’t disclose any new efforts Twitter has in the works to increase the online security and safety of its users. However, he did say that by working with some government agencies, be believes Twitter is set up better to fight the spread of misinformation in the presidential election next year.