When Words Mean Violence: The Dilemma of Balancing Free Speech and Incitement to Violence on Social Media

In March 2022, Andy Stone, the spokesperson for social media company Meta Platforms, was found guilty of “justifying terrorism” by a military court in Russia. The court based its judgment on Stone’s comments, where he suggested that Facebook users could temporarily violate anti-violence rules by calling for violence against Russian attackers.

Stone, a US citizen, will face the sentence if he arrives or is extradited to Russia. However, the controversy surrounding his comments highlights the challenges social media companies face in navigating free speech and incitement to violence online. Stone’s case serves as a cautionary tale for companies operating in politically sensitive regions, where comments or actions can have serious legal consequences.

Following Stone’s comments, Meta’s Head of International Affairs, Nick Clegg, clarified that the exception would only apply to users in Ukraine. In response to Stone’s remarks, Russian authorities have banned Meta’s Facebook and Instagram applications in Russia and barred Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, from entering the country.

The controversy surrounding Stone’s comments underscores the need for social media companies to be vigilant in monitoring their platforms for hate speech and incitement to violence. Companies must balance their commitment to free speech with their responsibility to protect their users and comply with local laws. Failure to do so can result in serious legal consequences and damage to their reputation.