The Social Media Safety Index (SMSI) by GLAAD is used as a way to measure the level of exposure LGBTQ+ individuals have to hateful content on certain social media platforms. The index uses metrics like a service’s anti-discrimination policy, as well as the content posted on the platform. This year’s SMSI indicates an erosion in protections for LGBTQ+ people online.
GLAAD’s report is troubling, to say the least, with most platforms scoring below 50. It’s clear platforms are failing to suppress anti-LGBTQ+ hate while instead suppressing legitimate LGBTQ+ voices through shadow banning, wrongful termination, and mislabelling content as explicit.
Related
The Kids Online Safety Act has been reintroduced in the Senate. Supporters are concerned that it might censor LGBTQ+ material on the internet.
Proponents argue that it includes safeguards for free expression, however, some fear that platforms might censor material to adhere to the rules.
GLAAD’s scorecard evaluates six major social media websites: X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Threads, and TikTok. Three of these – Threads, Facebook, and Instagram – are owned by Meta.
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Of all six, TikTok scored the highest with a safety index of 56%. This score was determined based on the platform providing the most comprehensive LGBTQ+ protections in its hate and harassment policies, clearly stating public figures are protected under community guidelines. TikTok is also one of only two platforms on the list with policies prohibiting targeted misgendering and deadnaming.
Despite TikTok’s efforts to be more inclusive, the platform continues to suffer shortcomings, failing to sufficiently protect LGBTQ+ privacy, safety, and expression in key areas. GLAAD’s main critique of TikTok is the platform’s lack of transparency regarding the removal and demonetization of LGBTQ+ creators.
Platforms owned by Meta received scores ranging from 40% to 45%. Around the time of the presidential inauguration, Meta announced it would be ending its DEI programs and also
revising its hateful conduct policies
to be more lenient on hateful content targeting LGBTQ+ people.
Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, who was once critical of the current administration, has been supportive this time around, even going on the infamous
Joe Rogan podcast
To talk about his visions for the upcoming era of social media. Considering the president’s assaults on the LGBTQ+ community and Zuckerberg’s rejection of enhanced content regulation aimed at debunking false information, the prospects for LGBTQ+ individuals utilizing these platforms appear worrisome.
YouTube received a score of 41% for omitting “gender identity and expression” from its list of protected traits within its hate speech guidelines. Additionally, Google, which owns YouTube, discontinued its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs as part of adherence to executive orders aimed at curbing such initiatives.
X received the lowest score, with its rating standing at 30 percent. Although both the platform and TikTok ban targeted misgendering and deadnaming, an updated policy reveals that X offers such protections solely “when mandated by local laws.” The ownership of X lies with Elon Musk, whose history includes transphobic remarks and far-right leanings, leading the platform towards increased hostility.
At a moment when actual physical attacks and harassment toward LGBTQ+ individuals are increasing, social media platforms are capitalizing on the spread of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment rather than safeguarding the well-being of these users,” stated Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD. “The poor ratings highlighted here ought to alarm everyone dedicated to fostering safer, more welcoming digital environments.
The report advocates for action and urges online platforms to restore safeguards and introduce more robust measures to shield LGBTQ+ individuals – particularly younger folks, people from racial minorities, or those residing in areas with antagonistic attitudes – ensuring these platforms continue to be environments for connectivity, innovation, and unity.
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