Meta Expands ‘Redirect Initiative’ Which Offers Alternative Information Sources on Potentially Harmful Searches

Meta has announced a new expansion of its efforts to stop the potential radicalization of people via its apps, with its ‘Redirect Initiative’ being extended to two more regions.

As explained by Meta:

“We’re [expanding] one of our flagship counterspeech initiatives, The Redirect Initiative, into Pakistan and the UK. Now when someone in Pakistan or the UK searches on Facebook using words associated with organized hate or violent extremism, the top search result will be a link to resources and support for how to leave violence and extremism behind.”

Which sounds pretty simple – a little too simple to have any real impact. Right?

Well, not entirely. According to Meta, the Redirect Initiative, which is already active in Australia, the US, Germany and Indonesia, has proven successful in disrupting the connection between users and violent, extreme content.

Though not massively so. Meta’s contention here is based on this report, which shows that of 57,523 searches for such content in the app, over a three-month period between November 2019 and March 2020, 2,288 users clicked on its alternate, credible sources, which then lead to 25 of them seeking support from program partners.

That’s not a great success rate, but I guess, in Meta’s view, as well as those working with the company on the initiative, any disruption in this chain is significant, while the 2k clicks on these alternate links also show at least some hesitancy in searchers, which could have extended deterring impacts.

And it might also be just the start, with Meta further noting that academic insight has shown that countering such actions with credible alternatives is the best way to combat radicalization, and essentially stop users tumbling down dangerous online rabbit holes.

“Research shows that challenging violent, extremist views with positive counterspeech is one of the most effective ways to combat hate and extremism. Counterspeech involves responding to hateful, extremist narratives with empathy and alternative perspectives, rather than shutting these conversations down. Counterspeech is only effective if it comes from credible voices, so we’ve partnered with various NGOs and community groups on multiple counterspeech initiatives around the world including community programs, toolkits and research.”

It’s an interesting initiative. Not an overly successful one right now, but as noted, there will be lessons learned, and progress made, which could see it become a more significant, influential factor in reducing the pathways to more extreme responses over time.

Meta’s also working to improve its detection measures, which involves working with partner organizations and platforms to identify key trends, and in combination, all of these elements may end up having a more significant impact.

We now know, or at least have a fair understanding, of the role that social platforms can play in this chain, and if Meta can work with experts to develop better processes, then it is worth experimenting with such, even if the initial numbers aren’t wholly convincing.

Just one user deterred may well be enough, while every person who goes on to seek help can also provide further insight into exactly how this process evolves, from a psychological standpoint, which could glean key breakthroughs for expanded initiatives.