LONDON , -- Prince Harry of Britain has criticised social media companies' inability to combat hate online. He revealed that he warned Twitter's chief executive before the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, warning him that the site could be used to organize political unrest.
Harry made the comments Tuesday at an online panel discussing misinformation in California. He stated that he had sent his concerns to Jack Dorsey, Twitter CEO, via email the day before the Washington riot.
"Jack, I had been emailing each other before January 6, where I warned him that his platform would allow a coup to take place," Harry stated at the RE:WIRED technology forum. "That email was sent the previous day and then it happened. I have not heard from him since."
Twitter declined to comment upon Harry's comments.
Social media platforms have been criticised for failing to stop misinformation spreading and inciting violence. As an example of what happens when online hatred continues to flourish, supporters of Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.
Frances Haugen, a Facebook whistleblower, has revealed that social media platforms play a significant role in promoting extremist views. She told U.S. lawmakers and European lawmakers that Facebook's algorithmic systems spread hate online and that there is no incentive for people to change because of its safety-first approach.
Harry also attacked YouTube, claiming that many videos spreading COVID-19 misinformation had been left up despite the site's policies.
He said, "And worse, it came to them via the recommendation engine within YouTube's algorithm versus any that the user was actually looking for." It shows that it is possible to stop, but they don't want it to stop because it impacts their bottom line.
Harry is a strong advocate against false information on the internet. He joined the Aspen Institute in the United States earlier this year as a commissioner to investigate misinformation and disinformation in media.
The Duchess of Sussex and the royal have spoken out often about media interference and racist attitudes, which they claim forced them to leave their royal duties in 2020 to move to North America.
Harry stated that misinformation is a global humanitarian emergency. "I have felt it personally over the years, and now I am watching it happen worldwide."
Harry spoke Tuesday and cited a report that found that over 70% of hate speech directed against his wife Meghan could be traced back to less than 50 accounts. He stated that misinformation is ruining lives.
He said that "a small number of accounts can create a lot of chaos online and destruction." "And without any consequences whatsoever.
