You work at Share, a start-up company that owns a social media platform. The company is in desperate need of expansion and needs to attract more users to be profitable. Share is based in Australia, which lacks clear legal regulations to fine users who post harmful content, such as hate speech and the promotion of discriminatory behaviours. The law, as it stands, does not regulate social media platforms or their users. Share’s CEO sees this as an opportunity to attract more users by allowing them to post harmful content.Your task is to write a Memo to Share’s CEO, persuading them that this approach is not acceptable. In your memo, discuss the potential problems with the CEO’s approach and the potential long-term impacts of allowing harmful content on the platform. You should link this to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ensure you highlight the types of practices the company is considering that present a challenge and how should the firm act.
Memo
To: [CEO's Name]
From: [Your Name]
Date: [Current Date]
Subject: Ethical and Strategic Considerations Regarding Harmful Content on Share's Platform
Introduction
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed strategy to attract more users by allowing harmful content on Share's platform. While the lack of stringent legal regulations in Australia might seem like an opportunity to increase user engagement, this approach is fraught with significant ethical, social, and long-term business risks.
Potential Problems with the CEO’s Approach
Reputation Damage: Allowing harmful content such as hate speech and discriminatory behaviors can severely damage Share's reputation. Users, advertisers, and potential investors are increasingly prioritizing ethical standards and corporate responsibility. A platform known for harmful content is likely to face public backlash, leading to a loss of trust and credibility.
User Safety and Well-being: Harmful content can have severe psychological impacts on users, leading to mental health issues, increased stress, and a toxic online environment. This not only affects individual users but also creates a hostile community that deters new users from joining.
Legal and Regulatory Risks: While current Australian laws may not regulate social media platforms strictly, this is subject to change. Governments worldwide are increasingly enacting laws to combat online hate speech and harmful content. Share could face future legal challenges, fines, and mandatory compliance costs, which could be financially and operationally burdensome.
Advertiser and Partner Relations: Brands and advertisers are highly sensitive to the content associated with their advertisements. Allowing harmful content could lead to a significant loss of advertising revenue as brands withdraw their support to avoid association with negative content.
Long-term Impacts and Alignment with SDGs
Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Allowing harmful content contradicts SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies. By fostering a safe and respectful online environment, Share can contribute to reducing violence and promoting social cohesion.
Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being: Harmful content can negatively impact mental health, directly opposing SDG 3. By ensuring a positive and supportive online community, Share can contribute to the well-being of its users.
Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities: Promoting discriminatory behaviors exacerbates social inequalities, contrary to SDG 10. Share has the opportunity to be a platform that champions diversity and inclusion, thereby reducing inequalities and fostering a more equitable society.
Recommended Practices for Share
Content Moderation Policies: Implement robust content moderation policies to identify and remove harmful content. This includes using AI tools and human moderators to ensure a safe online environment.
Community Guidelines: Establish clear community guidelines that outline acceptable behavior and the consequences of violating these guidelines. Educate users about the importance of respectful and inclusive interactions.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Collaborate with organizations and initiatives that promote digital literacy, mental health, and social inclusion. This can enhance Share's reputation as a responsible and ethical platform.
User Reporting Mechanisms: Provide easy-to-use reporting mechanisms for users to flag harmful content. Ensure timely and transparent responses to user reports to maintain trust and accountability.
Conclusion
While the immediate gains from allowing harmful content might seem attractive, the long-term consequences are detrimental to Share's sustainability and growth. By aligning our practices with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we can build a platform that not only attracts users but also contributes positively to society. I urge you to reconsider the current approach and adopt strategies that prioritize ethical standards and long-term success.
Thank you for considering these points.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
Share
Attachments: