Gibraltar-based bookmaker Mansion Group and online betting exchange Smarkets are ready to join this weekend’s sports social media boycott with participating governing bodies.
Why boycott?
For too long many people have had to endure a wealth of hate and discrimination on all social media platforms. There is very little that social media platforms do to ensure that restrictive measures are put in place to prevent the spread of hate and discrimination. As well as this, people have been tolerating abuse online for many years and now have the support in place to boycott social media. It is hoped that the boycott will show social media platforms that more must be done to stop online abuse, hate and discrimination.
Mansion Group and Smarkets are joining a united front with many other influential groups on social media. These include governing bodies, athletes, sponsors, clubs, and broadcasters. The aim is to silence social media so that restrictions are put in place.
Head of Marketing at MansionBet, Dana Bocker, said that: “As a mark of respect for the clubs we sponsor and their players, we are proud to join in this movement.”
When will it take place?
The global social media boycott will begin on Friday 30 April at 3pm and end on Monday 3 May at 12pm. With this, no stakeholders or influential bodies will interact with any social media platform.
Should affiliates join?
The boycott will hopefully show social media platforms that online abuse must be tackled from the bottom up. Sports fans need space that is entirely free of hate to engage with like-minded people online. There is no pressure to join the boycott, but if affiliates feel the need to take a stance over the extent of online abuse in the sporting industry, then there is always the option.
