Meta under fire for approving politically motivated ads during Lok Sabha elections
New Delhi: During the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, faces criticism for approving politically motivated advertisements containing hate speech and disinformation. According to a recent report, Meta approved several ads manipulated by Artificial Intelligence (AI), spreading disinformation and targeting specific demographics.
The report reveals that despite rejecting some ads, including one targeting Prime Minister Modi for misinformation, Meta approved others that targeted Muslims, violating its own policies on hate speech, bullying, harassment, misinformation, and violence incitement. These approved ads contained slurs against Muslims and Hindu supremacist language, further exacerbating tensions.
India Civil Watch International (ICWI) and Ekō, an accountability organization, submitted 22 ads to Meta, of which 14 were approved, highlighting the platform's failure to detect harmful content. Although Meta stated it requires advertisers to disclose their use of AI, critics argue that the platform lacks effective measures to address hate speech and disinformation.
Meta's history of failing to curb Islamophobia on its platforms adds to the skepticism regarding its ability to regulate harmful content during critical events like elections. With concerns over the proliferation of hate speech and disinformation online, questions arise about Meta's responsibility in safeguarding its users and ensuring a fair electoral process.
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Uttara Kannada: Bus carrying students on trip overturns; 45 injured
Dandeli: In an incident reported on Sunday, a bus carrying school students who had come to Dandeli for a trip reportedly overturned in the middle of the road.
The accident occurred as the group was returning to Dandeli after engaging in water sports at Ganeshgudi.
Reports suggest that the bus, carrying students from St. Anthony's High School in Hosadurga, Chitradurga district, overturned into a roadside gutter after the driver lost control of the vehicle.
Locals and resort staff nearby promptly came to the rescue, pulling the children from the wreckage and arranging for their transport to Dandeli Government Hospital using ambulances. Among the rescuers were locals Rafiq Kutty, Irshad Khan, Ashfaq Naika, Mehboob Mujawar, and Ramesh Nadara, whose swift actions were instrumental in ensuring the injured received immediate medical attention.
The injured students are currently undergoing treatment at Dandeli Government Hospital. Police from the Ramanagara Station have visited the site and are conducting an investigation into the cause of the accident.
