Business groups alarmed by lies, disinformation

Business associations on Monday expressed concern on disinformation and hate speech proliferating over in social media and other platforms.

"Together with other members of society, the business community has watched with concern how social media, media and other platforms have been abused by multiple parties in recent years. They have been used to spread disinformation and hate speech, resulting in erroneous beliefs, confusion and division," the groups said in a joint statement.

The joint statement was issued by the Bankers Association of the Philippines, Cebu Business Council, Chamber of Thrift Banks, Energy Lawyers Association of the Phils., Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Filipina CEO Circle, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Integrity Initiative Inc., Investment Houses Association of the Philippines, Judicial Reform Initiative, Management Association of the Philippines, Makati Business Club, Mindanao Business Council, Philippine Business for Education, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Life Insurance Association, Philippine Retailers Association, and Subdivision and Housing Developers Association.

"The abuse comprises lies, personal attacks, trolling, misogyny, 'red-tagging,' and many more, sometimes putting people at risk of physical harm," they said.

The groups said the abuse spiked during the election season, noting that they fear the damage may be long lasting.

"We call on political players to consider what they are doing to the country and to individuals, pledge not to engage in such abuse, and exhort their supporters to remain civil as well. We call on operators of social media and other platforms to consider what they are allowing to happen, and declare to their users and the public the steps they are taking to stop or curtail this," the groups said.

The groups also encouraged the business sector to evaluate the platforms they advertise in - including social media, messaging apps, broadcast and print - in terms of whether and how much disinformation and hate speech they allow.

While some of the platforms have already taken steps to address this issue, the business associations urged these platforms to fully share with the public how they are addressing disinformation and hate speech, which they said may be a factor on where businesses feature their products and services, to reflect the values of their organizations.

"We support ongoing efforts to create tools that businesses and advertisers can use to assist them in this evaluation in the near future, but commit to taking first steps now," they said. "Finally we call on our countrymen and women to evaluate political players as well as these media and communications platforms on these same terms, and use their votes and clicks to promote truth and civility in the coming elections," they added.

Source: TheManila Times