Kenyan court takes on Facebook over Ethiopia violence

In a groundbreaking legal battle with global implications, Kenya's courts have agreed to hear a lawsuit that could hold Facebook's parent company, Meta Platforms Inc., accountable for inciting violence in Africa through its platform.

The case, filed by Ethiopian plaintiffs, centers around claims that Facebook's algorithm amplified hate speech and misinformation, directly contributing to ethnic violence in Ethiopia.

The lawsuit, filed in Nairobi, accuses Meta of failing to adequately moderate harmful content on Facebook, particularly during the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.

According to the plaintiffs, this negligence allowed incitement and dangerous rhetoric to flourish online, leading to real-world violence and loss of lives.

One of the petitioners is Fisseha Tekle, an Ethiopian human rights researcher whose friend was brutally murdered in what he believes was a killing incited by Facebook posts.

Tekle claims Meta ignored repeated warnings about the growing online hate targeting ethnic minorities, including the Tigrayan community.

"This case is about justice — not just for my friend, but for thousands affected by Facebook’s failure to act responsibly," Tekle was quoted saying by OkayAFrica.

The lawsuit, supported by Amnesty International and other human rights groups, demands that Meta establish a $1.6 billion (Sh207 billion) compensation fund for victims and invest more in content moderation tailored to African languages and contexts.

The plaintiffs also argue that Meta's content moderation policies prioritize profits over people, especially in regions considered less lucrative or high-profile.

Meta has attempted to have the case dismissed, arguing that Kenyan courts do not have jurisdiction over the U.S.-based tech giant.

However, in a significant legal victory for the plaintiffs, a Kenyan judge ruled that the case can proceed, emphasizing that Meta operates in Kenya through a local subsidiary and must be held accountable where harm occurs.

Legal experts are calling the ruling a landmark decision that could set a precedent for regulating Big Tech in the Global South.

"This case could open the floodgates," said Nanjala Nyabola, a Kenyan writer and political analyst.

"If successful, it could force social media giants to rethink how they operate in regions where the consequences of online hate are often most devastating."

The case now moves forward in the Kenyan High Court, where Meta will be required to respond in full.

While the outcome remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the days of unregulated digital dominance may be numbered, especially in Africa.