Target: Mr. Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram
Goal: Advocate for responsible content sharing and awareness on Instagram
In December 2020, a disturbing incident in Belgium gained worldwide attention when a cyclist was accused of knocking over a 5-year-old girl on a nature trail. The incident was captured on video and subsequently went viral on social media platforms, including Instagram. The footage showed the cyclist allegedly sticking out his knee, causing the child to fall face-first into the snow. The cyclist pedaled away without offering an immediate apology, leading to public outrage.
The girl’s father, Patrick Mpasa, who reportedly recorded and posted the video on social media, did so with the intention of raising awareness about the dangers of similar situations. However, the video’s virality had unintended consequences. It triggered a wave of social media criticism and eventually led to a defamation lawsuit filed by the cyclist against the family. Shockingly, the cyclist won the lawsuit, and a judge is set to determine the compensation he will receive in April.
This verdict raises important questions about the consequences of sharing content on Instagram, even when the intent is to shed light on potential issues. It highlights the need for responsible content sharing and the potential legal ramifications that individuals may face, even when they believe their actions serve a just cause. Take action now.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Adam Mosseri,
We write to you in your capacity as the Head of Instagram, a platform that has a profound influence on content sharing and online discourse. We address a matter of utmost importance that has significant implications for responsible content sharing and online behavior within the Instagram community.
In December 2020, a video capturing a disturbing incident in Belgium went viral on Instagram. The video showed a cyclist allegedly knocking over a 5-year-old girl on a nature trail. This incident, shared with the intention of raising awareness about safety concerns, led to a defamation lawsuit against the family who posted it.
Shockingly, the cyclist won the lawsuit, and a judge is set to determine the compensation he will receive in April. This outcome underscores the potential legal consequences of sharing content on Instagram, even when the intent is to address critical issues.
We, the concerned users of Instagram, implore you to take steps to foster responsible content sharing on your platform. Instagram plays a pivotal role in shaping public discourse, and it is crucial to promote awareness of the potential legal and social consequences of sharing sensitive or contentious content. Encourage users to exercise caution, discretion, and empathy when sharing content that involves individuals in potentially contentious situations.
Furthermore, we request that Instagram continues to develop and implement policies and features that mitigate the risks associated with the viral spread of such content. Offer resources and education to your users about the legal and ethical aspects of content sharing on Instagram.
By taking these measures, you can contribute to creating a safer and more responsible digital environment on Instagram, where individuals are aware of the implications of their actions, both legally and socially, and where content sharing is conducted with thoughtfulness and empathy.
We thank you for your attention to this matter and for your commitment to promoting responsible content sharing on Instagram.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Solen Feyissa
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