How Social Platforms are Responding to the #BlackLivesMatter Protests Across the US

With #BlackLivesMatter protests being held in various cities across the US, in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, social media platforms have also been adding their support to the cause.

Here’s what we’ve seen from each of the major companies.

First off, Twitter has provided a range of resources and tips to help people get a better understanding of the situation, and the part that they can play in making a change (tap through on this tweet for the full thread).

Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel, meanwhile, has shared his response with his staff via an internal memo, in which Spiegel said that he was “heartbroken and enraged” by the ongoing battle against racism in the US.

As first reported by The Information, Spiegel has also called for the creation of an American commission to address racial injustice, and comprehensive tax reform, providing concrete options for a way forward from the current situation.

As explained by Spiegel:

“Some of you have asked about whether Snap will contribute to organizations that support equality and justice. The answer is yes. But in my experience, philanthropy is simply unable to make more than a dent in the grave injustices we face. While our family has and will continue to contribute meaningfully to create opportunity for the underprivileged, and donate to the guardians of justice, these circumstances call for a more radical reorganization of our society. Private philanthropy can patch holes, or accelerate progress, but it alone cannot cross the deep and wide chasm of injustice. We must cross that chasm together as a united nation. United in the striving for freedom, equality, and justice for all.”

You can read Spiegel’s full memo here.

In the broader tech sphere, Apple CEO Tim Cook has voiced his support, and shared his concerns, in an internal memo to employees. In that same memo, Cook pledged to match donations from employees to organizations seeking to address race-based injustice.

As reported by Bloomberg:

“The Apple executive said that the company would be donating to a number of groups, including the Equal Justice Initiative, a non-profit focusing on racial injustice. The iPhone maker will also offer a two-for-one match for employee donations in the month of June.”

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has also called for change, while underlining the company’s work with the Criminal Justice Reform Initiative. Microsoft is also using its social media profiles to highlight perspectives from black employees at the company.