Social media giants urged to protect women

Shareholders demand action from Facebook, Twitter to combat sexual harassment

Facebook and Twitter, under fire for Russian manipulation of their social media sites, are now facing heat from shareholders, who say the companies need to do more to combat sexual harassment of women on their platforms.

Arjuna Capital and the New York State Common Retirement Fund announced Thursday they had co-filed shareholder resolutions asking both companies to produce a “detailed report on the scope of sexual harassment on their platforms and the remedies either in place or already contemplated for the future.” The resolutions, aimed at the companies’ annual shareholder meetings later this year, also address the topics of fake news, election interference, violence and hate speech.

“Sexual harassment online is a threat to women and a danger to long-term shareholder value,” said Natasha Lamb, managing partner at Arjuna Capital. “If users feel unsafe on the platform, they simply won’t use it.”

The latest shareholder proposal adds to the growing backlash toward the social media giants. Last year, lawmakers grilled Facebook, Twitter and Alphabet’s Google for failing to stop Russian attempts to use the companies’ sites to influence the U.S. 2016 presidential election. Now, amid sexual harassment allegations across industries, shareholders are increasing scrutiny on the role that social media may play in abuse of women.

Historically, Twitter viewed its platform as a place for free speech and unfiltered conversation. That has shifted as examples of abusive behaviour on the platform have turned people away.

In 2016, the company formed a Trust and Safety Council and made significant product updates to help curb abuse.