However, Facebook’s algorithms have fuelled devastating human rights violations by amplifying harmful content targeting the Tigrayan community across Facebook during the armed conflict. As a result, Meta has again contributed to serious human rights abuses, this time perpetrated against the Tigrayan community. Meta received multiple warnings both before and during the conflict from civil society organisations, human rights experts and its own Facebook Oversight Board - which recommended Meta undertake an independent human rights impact assessment on Ethiopia in 2021. Meta also has a responsibility to provide remedy for the human rights abuses it has contributed to in Ethiopia. Countries must fulfil their obligation to protect human rights by introducing and enforcing legislation to effectively rein in abusive Big Tech business model.
