Recode Decode: Sleeping Giants founder Matt Rivitz

Terms of Service

Matt Rivitz and Kara Swisher discuss the enforcement of platform terms of service, particularly concerning hate speech. Rivitz argues that tech companies like Facebook and Google have rules against harmful language but often fail to enforce them consistently. He emphasizes the need for clear and transparent guidelines, suggesting that platforms should not make exceptions for those who violate these rules 1. Swisher adds that the free speech argument is often misused, as these platforms are private businesses with their own terms of service 2. Rivitz insists that if platforms were more transparent about their enforcement actions, it would prevent users from gaming the system 3.

Just have the rules. Give us all ten strikes if you want, so we know what to expect. But be really clear and enforce them very clearly.

--- Matt Rivitz

   

Public Pressure

Public campaigns and pressure play a crucial role in holding tech companies accountable for hate speech and misinformation. Rivitz shares his motivation for starting Sleeping Giants, driven by his disbelief at the support for platforms like Breitbart by advertisers 4. He explains that by using public pressure, Sleeping Giants aims to make advertisers aware of where their money is going and the kind of content it supports 5. Swisher and Rivitz agree that shame can be an effective tool in prompting companies to change their practices, as it forces them to confront the ethical implications of their business models 1.

I like to think of us as a shaming organization. People printed that before. And. Yeah, I'm not down with that. I just think. But you need to point it out or nothing's ever going to get done.

--- Matt Rivitz