Definition
Where a bad actor or group will organize a campaign of abuse (such as harassment, trolling or disinformation) using multiple online services.
Background
Cross-platform abuse occurs when harmful behaviors or content targeting an individual or group spread across multiple digital platforms. This could be multiple Fediverse services, or it may include other digital platforms. Cross platform abusers often exploit the interconnected nature of digital services to amplify their impact, making it challenging for victims to escape the abuse and for platforms to respond effectively.
Challenges
Moderators may not have access to or awareness of abusive content on other platforms, making it difficult to assess the full scope of the abuse. Different platforms and servers have varying policies and thresholds for what constitutes abusive behavior, complicating coordinated responses. Effective response to cross-platform abuse requires cooperation between different platforms, which can be hindered by privacy concerns, and technical barriers. Abusers often use multiple accounts across platforms to evade detection, making it hard to track and mitigate their actions.
Online platforms operate globally, subject to a patchwork of laws and regulations across different countries. What’s considered abusive or punishable in one jurisdiction might not be in another, complicating platforms’ enforcement policies and their responsibility toward cross-platform abuse.
Each platform or server has its own set of community guidelines and terms of service that define acceptable behavior. However, these guidelines can vary significantly, leading to challenges in creating a unified approach to combat cross-platform abuse. A behavior penalized on one platform might be tolerated on another, creating inconsistencies in user experiences and expectations.
Sharing information about users or their activities between platforms to address cross-platform abuse raises significant privacy issues. Platforms must navigate the legal and ethical implications of exchanging user data, ensuring they do not infringe on privacy rights or data protection laws.
Determining a platform’s responsibility involves not just mitigating the abusive activity but also supporting any victims of the activity. Moderators must assess how to provide resources and assistance to those affected by cross-platform abuse while navigating the complexities of identifying and taking action against abusers who operate across multiple services. Determining the extent of your responsibility for user behavior that spans multiple services is a complex requirement.
Discussion
Discuss this label in the Cross-Platform Abuse forum.
