Report reveals Twitter ranking lowest in protection for LGBTQ+ users

GLAAD, an advocacy group for LGBTQ+ rights, has criticised major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter, for their inadequate protection of LGBTQ+ users from hate speech and harassment. GLAAD’s annual Social Media Safety Index gave these platforms low or failing scores, with Twitter being singled out as the worst offender. 

Since Elon Musk took over Twitter, the platform’s scores have declined, and there has been a significant increase in attacks on LGBTQ+ users. This is partly due to staffing cuts and policy changes that have made the platform less safe for marginalised groups. 

GLAAD has raised concerns about Twitter’s removal of policies against misgendering and deadnaming transgender individuals. On the other hand, Meta (which owns Facebook and Instagram) saw improvement in its scores, but GLAAD noted inconsistencies in enforcing its policies. TikTok and YouTube also showed progress in protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. 

Advocates for the LGBTQ+ community have consistently cautioned about the connection between online hate and harassment and its potential to escalate into physical violence in the real world. However, even in cases where such violence does not occur, they argue that the detrimental impact on an individual’s mental well-being caused by online abuse should not be overlooked.

Despite claims supporting freedom of speech, GLAAD argues that online platforms must address hate speech and harassment to ensure true freedom of expression for all users.