Brazil, Google to develop filter against hate speech

The Brazilian Ministry of Racial Equality has announced its intention to collaborate with Google to develop a filter aimed at preventing the dissemination of hate speech, intolerance, and racism.

Minister Anielle Franco took the initiative after becoming aware of a game made available on the multinational technology company’s app store in which users assumed the role of a “slave owner”.

Notícias relacionadas:

• Social movements in Brazil attribute school attacks to hate speech.
• Minister of Human Rights suggests national policy to fight hate speech.

In the slavery simulator, players were encouraged to make a “profit” and hire guards to suppress rebellions. The game also included an option for users to engage in virtual sexual exploitation of individuals under their control within the virtual world. The game, which has been removed from the store, depicted chained individuals, including a black man, portrayed in a cartoon-like style, and bound in shackles.

“The ministry further informs that a scheduled meeting is already in place with Google’s department responsible for addressing these issues to establish content moderation against racism, following similar collaborations previously undertaken with other prominent tech companies. The goal is to create a secure and wholesome online environment,” stated the ministry in an official statement.

In the slavery simulator, players were encouraged to make a “profit” and hire guards to suppress rebellions – Google Play

Furthermore, the ministry affirms its intention to pursue accountability from the developers of the game. “The Federal Prosecutors Office will also take action in this matter, ensuring that the parties responsible for the creation and commercialization of the product are held accountable,” the statement concludes.

Google confirmed the removal of the game from its app store and emphasized its commitment to combatting the incitement of hatred and violence. “We maintain a strong set of policies designed to ensure user safety, which all developers must adhere to. Our guidelines explicitly prohibit apps that promote violence, incite hatred based on race or ethnicity, or feature or encourage gratuitous violence or other hazardous activities,” the company stated.

The multinational technology company remains vigilant regarding reports of inappropriate content. “If anyone discovers an app that violates our policies, they can report it. Once we identify a violation of our policies, we take appropriate action,” said Google in a statement.