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Rohingya refugees from Myanmar sue Facebook for US$150 billion for failing to stem hate speech

  • The complaint, lodged in California, argues that Facebook’s algorithms promote disinformation and extremist thought that translates to real-world violence
  • Rohingyas face widespread discrimination in Myanmar, with a military-backed campaign seeing hundreds of thousands driven into Bangladesh in 2017

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Rohingya refugees sit on a makeshift boat as they are interrogated after crossing into Bangladesh. Photo: Reuters
Rohingya refugees sued Facebook on Monday for US$150 billion over claims the social network is failing to stem hate speech on its platform, exacerbating violence against the vulnerable minority.
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The complaint, lodged in a California court, says the algorithms that power the US-based company promote disinformation and extremist thought that translates to real-world violence.

“Facebook is like a robot programmed with a singular mission: to grow,” the court document states.

“The undeniable reality is that Facebook’s growth, fuelled by hate, division, and misinformation, has left hundreds of thousands of devastated Rohingya lives in its wake.”

The mainly Muslim group faces widespread discrimination in Myanmar, where they are despised as interlopers despite having lived in the country for generations.

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