Google chairman advocates 'hate-speech spell-checker'

Google chairman Eric Schmidt has suggested that technology similar to ‘spell-checkers’ should be used to stop the spread of ‘hate’ on the internet.

Writing in the New York Times, Mr Schmidt says that tools “sort of like spell-checkers, but for hate and harassment”, are needed to “help de-escalate tensions on social media.”

But his comments have provoked concern about the impact such technology could have on free speech.

“For all the good people can do with new tools and new inventions, there are always some who will seek to do harm. Ever since there’s been fire, there’s been arson”, Mr Schmidt writes.

He continues: “We should make it ever easier to see the news from another country’s point of view, and understand the global consciousness free from filter or bias."

But he then goes on to argue: "We should build tools to help de-escalate tensions on social media — sort of like spell-checkers, but for hate and harassment. We should target social accounts for terrorist groups like the Islamic State, and remove videos before they spread, or help those countering terrorist messages to find their voice."

‘Fatal flaws’

Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, says that any restrictions need to be approached with great care:

“Tackling terrorism is vital, but the concept of ‘hate speech’ is a slippery one, and can easily be used by powerful players to shut down viewpoints that they don’t like.

“More than once we have seen Christian Concern’s website blocked by internet providers, who have falsely labelled it a ‘hate’ site. Internet censorship is not simply a theoretical risk, but is already happening.

“Ill-defined notions of ‘hate’ and ‘extremism’ are dangerous and could easily result in the targeting Christian beliefs about the uniqueness of Jesus Christ or the nature of marriage. Vague definition is one of the fatal flaws of the government’s Counter Extremism Strategy and Mr Schmidt’s proposals could easily fall into the same trap, however noble the intention appears.”