New York governor calls out social media after attack in Buffalo
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WHAM) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a news conference that hate speech on social media has become an unchecked virus allowed to be spread.
This is in response to the mass shooting at a Buffalo Tops supermarket Saturday killing 10 people that was live-streamed on social media.
Hochul called out CEOs of social media platforms for not doing more to monitor violent and racist content — stressing the severity of the situation and consequences that could come as a result of this lack of monitoring.
“We don’t know if there are other people who are now going to be inspired, which is exactly what this cruel depraved person intended if you read the manifesto. He intended to make sure that other people would see it would happen in real-time here so they would consider other acts as well,” said Hochul.
Attorney General Letitia James reiterated the governor’s remarks, adding social media will be a big part of the investigation.
“Let’s make sure that we investigate social media, and my office will be focused on doing that as we have been doing for the last few months,” said James.
Hochul said she plans to meet with these companies soon about changing their algorithms to more quickly identify hate speech on these platforms.
“I want them to sit in the room, look me in the eye and tell me, too, have you done everything humanly possible to make sure that you’re monitoring this content the second it hits your platform?” said Hochul, “If you’re not, then I’m going to hold you responsible. So, prove to me that there is nothing else that can be done.”
She hopes after the meeting this will help stop any potential shootings.
“To anyone else, this is my last message, anyone else who dare break the security that every citizen is entitled to, to make them feel victimized. You’ve just picked a fight with 20 million New Yorkers,” said Hochul.
State officials also warn people about any possible GoFundMe scams that may appear in the days to come.