Big Tech against Palestinians

When I saw the news How Google Maps Makes It Harder for Palestinians to Navigate the West Bank I asked Perplexity to compile a list of accusations against Big Tech:

The allegations of abuse against Palestinians by Big Tech companies are numerous and concerning. Here’s a comprehensive list of the main allegations based on the provided information:

Content Moderation and Censorship

• Systematic censorship of Palestinian voices and content related to Palestine across social media platforms[2][6]
• Disproportionate flagging and removal of Palestinian content compared to other content[6]
• Shadow-banning of Palestinian activists, journalists, and human rights defenders[6]
• Lowered algorithmic thresholds for flagging Palestinian content (25% certainty) compared to other content (80% threshold)[6]
• Arbitrary suspension of Microsoft email accounts and Skype access for Palestinians living abroad[3]

Surveillance and Data Collection

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) providing “endless storage” of mass surveillance data on Gaza residents to Israel’s Military Intelligence Directorate[3]
• Google and Microsoft supplying AI tools used in Israeli military operations[3]

Military and Government Collaboration

• Google and Amazon’s involvement in Project Nimbus, providing cloud services to all branches of the Israeli government, including the military[1][5]
• Microsoft’s services supporting illegal settlement operations, Israeli military, police, and Israeli Prison Service[3]

Algorithmic Bias and Hate Speech

• Meta’s content moderation systems allowing anti-Palestinian rhetoric while limiting pro-Palestinian narratives[6]
• Failure to remove antisemitic and Islamophobic hate speech on platforms like X (formerly Twitter)[5]
• Allowing paid ads containing hate speech and incitement against Palestinians on Meta and Google platforms[5]

Workplace Suppression

• Censorship and discriminatory policies against employees advocating for Palestinian rights within tech companies[7]
• Disproportionate removal of content supporting Palestinian rights compared to pro-Israel content[7]

AI and Automated Warfare

• Involvement in AI-powered, live-streamed military operations in Gaza[1]
• Use of AWS services to confirm airstrike targets[3]

Digital Rights Violations

• Facilitation of widespread and systematic arrest and torture of Palestinians through technology[1]
• Disruption of services and cyber attacks affecting Palestinian digital rights[2]

Misinformation and Disinformation

• Enabling the spread of state-sponsored disinformation and online incitement to violence[3]

Human Rights Due Diligence Failures

• Lack of accountability and transparency in addressing human rights concerns in conflict-affected areas[4][5]
• Failure to uphold human rights commitments during times of war[3]

These allegations highlight the complex role of Big Tech in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and raise serious concerns about digital rights, freedom of expression, and corporate responsibility in conflict zones.

Citations:

1. Do Not Support the First Genocide Carried Out by Big Tech – Mondoweiss
2. Documenting a New Frontier: Big Tech Accountability and Palestinian Digital Rights – APC
3. Gaza Genocide and Big Tech’s Role – Access Now
4. Tech Companies Criticized for Their Complicity and Bias Against Palestinians Around the Gaza Conflict – Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
5. Accountability in Conflict: The Problem of Tech Company Opacity – Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
6. Big Tech is an Accomplice in Violating Palestinian Rights – Muslim Views
7. Tech Workers’ Testimonies: Stories of Suppression of Palestinian Advocacy in the Workplace – 7amleh