Programme for government should include 'turning off toxic recommender systems'

James Cox

The programme for government should include switching off "toxic recommender systems on social media", according to a group that works to counter hate and disinformation.

The Hope and Courage Collective is a national civil society organisation that works with community groups, advocacy groups, trade unions, activists and academics to "stop hate organising in our communities and workplaces".

In a report on the lack of success of far-right candidates in the recent general election, seen by BreakingNews.ie, the organisation warned that "while many far right actors were not successful, many still increased their profile, often with hundreds of thousands of views across social media".

Lies and misinformation on issues such as immigration on Meta, X and TikTok, went unchallenged, according to the report.

The report's authors wrote: "Defeat will be hard to accept. Bullies don’t like to lose. When they are humiliated and angry, they are dangerous.

"Unable to win over the electorate, they will direct that anger and hate and try to scapegoat people in our communities. Social media may become more hateful, incite violence and more militant tactics may be used.

"Right now social media and video platforms recommend hateful, false and violent content for people to see. While many see these platforms as digital town squares, where ideas are debated on equal terms, the reality is that they are private profit driven entities who decide whose voices get heard.

"The business model prioritises emotionally manipulative content through algorithms that drive sharing and engagement often driven by outrage and disgust. They make billions off division and hatred. Algorithms take people down the river of hate, leaving truth and compassion to catch up."

The Hope and Courage Collective is calling on TDs to commit to challenging social media companies on "toxic" recommender systems in the upcoming programme for government.

Edel McGinley, executive director of the Hope and Courage Collective, said: "We must reject any attempts to pander to the far right and populist right by enacting hardline policies. Not only does this strategy lack compassion and backbone – it is not what people want to see from their leaders.

"People want brave, progressive leadership – a clear focus on policies that protect the freedoms of all to thrive irrespective of where we are from, who we love, our genders or status in society."