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4.2
terms of service that are aligned with international human rights standards (given that
the government currently does not have clear laws or guidance on this issue) and a
transparent and accessible process for users to report content they consider hate
speech. One company has developed a ‘market specific’ reporting mechanism unique
to the Myanmar context, with an option to report specific kinds of content. One option
is to report content that is, “hateful towards a race, religion, gender, sexual orientation
or ability. Examples: racism, insulting religious groups, anti-gay posts”. Another is to
report content which is, “a rumour or false information. Examples: false news stories,
rumour based on the conflict of religious groups”.
Promote awareness of Terms of Service and reporting mechanisms. Overall
there is a low level of awareness of the impact of hate speech in Myanmar, and what
may or may not be acceptable to post online. Many users in Myanmar are unaware of
reporting functions, or do not know how to use them, or understand what action the
company may take if they do report content. Companies could consider initiating a
public awareness campaign focused on platform-specific guidelines and the impacts
of hate speech spread through media. Materials need to be translated into local
languages. Facebook Community Standards are now available in Burmese.
Develop other options to respond to hate speech: Efforts are underway by civil
society to educate users and combat hate speech in society. Telcos and over the top
companies appear aware of the issue of hate speech in Myanmar, and some are
supporting local groups to spread messages of non-violence. For example, Panzagar
aims to promote responsible use of social media, and raise awareness of the
implications resulting from online behavior. Panzagar has partnered with local graphic
designers and Facebook to create a set of online ‘stickers’ with cartoons and peaceful
messages, similar to emoticons, which can be downloaded and inserted onto user
profiles, or included in online chat functions. 310
D. Relevant International Standards and Guidance on Hate
Speech
Relevant International Standards:
UN OHCHR, “Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and
Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression” A/67/357 (7h
September 2012).
OHCHR “Rabat Plan of Action on the Prohibition of Advocacy of National,
Racial or Religious Hatred that Constitutes Incitement to Discrimination,
Hostility or Violence” (2012).
Relevant Guidance:
ARTICLE 19, “Towards an interpretation of Article 20 of the ICCPR:
Thresholds for the prohibition of incitement to hatred (Work in Progress)”. A
study prepared for the regional expert meeting on article 20, Organised by
the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Vienna, February 89, 2010.
The Dangerous Speech Project
United States Institute of Peace, Wielding Technology to Combat
Dangerous Speech in Myanmar – PeaceTech Exchange Myanmar
NipeUkweli – This is an initiative based in Kenya to counter negative online
content by correcting false statements and spreading positive messages.
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Global Voices, “Can #Panzagar ‘Flower Speech’ Facebook Stickers End Hate Speech in Myanmar?” (22
Feb 2015).
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CHAPTER 4.2: HATE SPEECH