Marwa Fatafta, Palestinian digital rights advocate and researcher, joins the podcast to discuss the Israeli campaign in Gaza, social media's role in sharing ground realities, and ways to support peace. They delve into internet shutdowns in Gaza, manipulation of information, and the Israeli government's treatment of human rights organizations. The episode also explores the impacts of platform automation, censorship, and the development of technologies in an oppressive context.
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Quick takeaways
Internet shutdowns in Gaza hindered communication and access to information for Palestinians during the conflict.
Social media platforms disproportionately target Palestinian content, leading to censorship and the amplification of Israeli narratives.
Western leaders and media organizations perpetuate biased narratives and spread disinformation, undermining justice efforts and accountability for human rights abuses in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Deep dives
The Impact of Internet Shutdowns in Gaza
During the conflict in Gaza, internet service providers experienced shutdowns due to heavy bombardment, infrastructure destruction, and lack of fuel. These shutdowns resulted in a significant decrease in internet traffic across Gaza, hindering communication and access to information for Palestinians. The Israeli authorities were also reported to have intentionally shut down the internet as part of their war strategy. The internet blackout created an information vacuum and hindered the ability of Palestinians to communicate with their families, access news, and mobilize for dissent against Israeli actions.
Censorship of Palestinian Content on Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms have been critical for Palestinians to share their stories, counter Israeli disinformation, and document the realities of living under occupation. However, these platforms have a history of disproportionately targeting Palestinian content, suspending Palestinian journalists and human rights defenders, and censoring posts under the guise of counterterrorism policies. The platforms' biases were evident during the recent escalation, with posts related to protests in Sheikh Jarrah being heavily censored. This censorship creates an information vacuum that allows Israeli narratives to prevail and hinders Palestinians' ability to amplify their voices and counter Israeli propaganda.
The Global Spread of Disinformation and Biased Narratives
The conflict in Gaza has exposed not only the peddling of disinformation by Israeli authorities but also the spread of biased narratives by democratic leaders and media outlets. Western leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have spread disinformation, such as unsubstantiated claims of beheaded babies. Western media organizations have often echoed or failed to scrutinize Israeli disinformation, perpetuating biases and distorting the reality of the situation. Additionally, social media has seen the amplification of disinformation by some open-source intelligence accounts, raising concerns about the deceptive nature of these narratives and the potential influence they have on public opinion. The widespread dissemination of disinformation and biased narratives undermines efforts towards justice and accountability for human rights abuses.
Censorship and Arbitrary Enforcement of Policies on Social Media Platforms
The podcast highlights multiple instances of censorship and arbitrary enforcement of policies on social media platforms in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Examples include the removal of footage from a hospital bombing under the pretext of sexual activity and nudity policy, the shutdown and banning of Palestinian media organizations, and the hacking and suspending of Palestinian journalists' accounts. Despite pushback and demands for transparency, these companies deny intentional censorship and discriminatory policies. The contrast is drawn with how tech companies respond differently to similar contexts, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, by making exceptions to their policies. The lack of investments and political will to address these issues further exacerbate the situation.
Surveillance Technologies, Disinformation, and Technological Supremacy
The podcast discusses the role of surveillance technologies and disinformation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It challenges the notion of Israeli technological supremacy, pointing out that the events of October 7th exposed the vulnerabilities of Israeli security measures. It raises concerns about the development and export of surveillance technologies by Israeli companies, highlighting the violation of Palestinian rights and the need for human rights due diligence. The role of digital surveillance tools is questioned, emphasizing the negative implications for both Palestinians and society at large. The podcast also examines the impact of disinformation campaigns on narratives surrounding atrocities, demonstrating how misinformation can divert attention from the suffering of Palestinians and allow Israel to evade full responsibility. Lastly, the podcast emphasizes the power of individual action, calling for solidarity, amplifying Palestinian voices on social media, demanding ceasefires, and putting pressure on governments to address human rights violations.
Paris Marx is joined by Marwa Fatafta to discuss the ongoing Israeli campaign in Gaza, the importance of social media for sharing what’s happening on the ground, and what listeners can do to support peace and Palestinian rights.
Marwa Fatafta is a Palestinian digital rights advocate and researcher. She is Access Now’s Policy and Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.
The podcast is produced by Eric Wickham. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.
