“Google in a campaign to curb hate speech during elections”

Google together with other stakeholders has launched Web Games - an international competition that will galvanise a cohort of internet safety advocates to inspire Kenyans to be more considerate online during this election year. The advocates will be youth drawn from two Google-supported initiatives: Webrangers Kenya - a youth online safety campaign started in 2015 that has reached tens of thousands of high school students spread over 26 counties of Kenya, and Amani Hangout Bridges - an initiative supporting the Amani Clubs established in various schools by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission and the Ministry of Education to promote respect and understanding.

“Our priority is to create a positive experience for our users, including young people. Our work in this area includes digital literacy, building an informed and responsible generation of digital citizens through programs such as Web Rangers and Hangout Bridges and building safety settings into our products so that families can make the choices that are right for them,” noted Michael Murungi, Google Public Policy & Government Relations Manager for East Africa…

Election years are usually characterised by heightened political and social tensions...“Technology platforms such as YouTube can be a force for good. They provide alternative content which promotes truth and understanding; that can drown out content that promotes violence, hate, or fear. The online community can create and find hopeful messages online, not harmful ones, especially during this election year,” added Mr. Murungi.