Meta, Snap, TikTok join forces to combat self-harm content online
Tech giants Meta, Snap, and TikTok have joined forces to launch a new initiative called 'Thrive.' The program aims to curb the spread of graphic content that depicts or encourages self-harm and suicide on their platforms. As listed by Meta's official blog, Thrive allows participating companies to exchange "signals" about such violating content across their respective platforms.
A collaboration with the Mental Health Coalition
Thrive is a collaborative effort with the Mental Health Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to destigmatizing mental health conversations. Meta provides the technical infrastructure for Thrive, enabling secure sharing of signals. This technology is similar to that used in Lantern, another cross-platform signal sharing program aimed at combating online child abuse.
Meta's approach to mental health discussions
Meta has made it more difficult for users to find content related to self-harm and suicide on its platform. However, the company is also trying to create a space where people can share their experiences with mental health issues, suicide, and self-harm without promoting or providing graphic details. According to Meta's data, the company takes action on millions of pieces of such content every quarter.
