EU Justice Commissioner Quits Facebook, Describing Her Experience as 'Channel of Dirt' (washingtonpost.com)

The European Commissioner for justice, consumers and gender equality shut down her Facebook account, describing her experience on the social network as a "channel of dirt." From a report: At a news conference Thursday in Brussels, Vera Jourova said that she received an "influx of hatred" on the popular platform and decided to cancel her account as a result. "I don't want to avoid communication with people, even with critical people," she said, noting her decision to leave Facebook was not to avoid public criticism. Her mailbox is filled with critical comments, she said, and she responds to those people who don't use vulgar language. "This is my nature, I speak to everybody who wants normal, honest, descent communication." Euractiv earlier reported on Jourova's remarks. At the same news conference, Jourova warned Facebook that it faces the prospect of sanctions from European member states if the company does not comply with consumer protection rules.

Comments

anger at authoritarianism

[ooloorie]

"This is my nature, I speak to everybody who wants normal, honest, descent communication.

I don't think people who send her nasty messages want to "speak" with her or debate her, they want to express their outrage at her policies. After all, she has all the power.

At the same news conference, Jourova warned Facebook that it faces the prospect of sanctions from European member states if the company does not comply with consumer protection rules.

And right on cue, she threatens to use that power to hurt people and companies she doesn't like, in the guise of "consumer protection rules".

Re:anger at authoritarianism

[ArchieBunker]

This is the neck beard in you talking. Let me lay this out from a normal persons perspective. You can disagree or complain about her policies, but try to present your statements in a civilized adult manner. If you start off as a screaming lunatic of course she isn't going to listen to you. I'm guessing the majority of messages she received was the typical internet outrage and death threats.

Re:Qhy quit when you can ban it?

[ArchieBunker]

I'd argue that Facebook and Twitter do more overall harm than good.

Re:Qhy quit when you can ban it?

[Anonymous Coward]

fuck off you piece of shit fucktard and fuck your fucking mother too

Re:Qhy quit when you can ban it?

[lgw]

Maybe she should just grow a little skin over those nerve endings.

If only. TFA just goes to show that no matter how hard you work not to offend a "diversity leader", you will fail and offend them unacceptably. The right answer is to not set a foot down that path, and tell them to GTFO and come back when they have, as you say, grown a thicker skin.

It's not like Facebook lacks controls on who gets to talk to you (other than advertisers). If you're constantly offended by people you've chosen to associate with, or people you must associate with, chances are in this century the problem is you. "If everyone you see is an asshole, look in the mirror."