Who has heard of HateAid and UserRights? Or, to put it another way, who hasn't? On 19 November 2024, the members of the Berlin DIS group had a prime opportunity to find out.
Josephine Ballon (HateAid) and Stephan Breidenbach (UserRights) were guests and talked about how their companies are helping to effectively counter the growing digital violence, especially on social media. It remains to be seen to what extent the Digital Services Act, created for this purpose, and the dispute resolution system it provides for, are suitable for ensuring sustainable protection.
According to Breidenbach, without suitable legally compliant and transparent AI applications, such as the Rule-Based AI technology used by UserRights, ‘dispute settlement at scale’ between injured parties and platforms cannot be ensured. He gave an impressive presentation of the current state of development of the AI developed by UserRights.
Ballons' appeal was clear: Without civil courage, even the best systems are useless. HateAid is making every effort to achieve the best possible contribution to human rights on the internet, in the face of little cooperation from platforms and overburdened authorities – and is always happy to receive donations. But without the courageous commitment of each and every one of us, for example by reporting violent posts, it will not work.
As usual, the discussion and exchange of ideas were lively and animated, both before and after the event, over a glass or two of something refreshing. Thanks to the excellent organisation and warm hospitality of Anne Grunwald and her colleagues at PWC.
Conclusion: a group has been formed and its topics identified. To be continued!
Philipp Wagner