tech
Lightshore’s webinar aims to accelerate women's participation in IT Sector
Lightshore Foundation, BITM jointly organized a virtual meeting titled 'Girls in ICT Day” focusing on accelerating Women's Involvement in the IT Sector.
The mediators participated in an engaging discussion on challenges of women’s participation in the IT sector at the event moderated by Tanzila Munia, a member of the Lightshore Foundation.
Among the mediators were Emrajina Islam, Md. Shahriar Hossain, Nazia Hasan, Shubhashis Roy, ABM Jabed Sultan Piyas, Talukdar Mohammad Sabbir. The Zoom discussion was attended by about 60 women and youth from across the country.
Read: Speakers at webinar bat for move towards outcome-based education
According to the organizers, at present, about 25 percent of female students are studying information technology at the university level.
According to government estimates, only 12 percent of women work in information technology in the workplace.
Another survey by Bangladesh Open Source Network found that only 1 percent of female students studying information technology are interested in taking up programming as a career in the future.
Read BUILD wants greater participation of women-owned businesses in public procurement
Emrajina Islam, Co-Founder of Emrajina Technologies said,” It's really a lot of hassle to do something as a girl in Bangladesh. However, if you have the desire, enthusiasm,smartness and a little bit of support from the family, it is very much possible. At my company, Emarajina Technologies, girls seem to work more honestly and harder than the boys. Dedication for work is also seen more in girls than in boys when they are provided a comfort zone.”
ABM Jabed Sultan Piyas, Head of Business of daily Prothom Alo, said “In Prothom Alo , women always get priority. A woman-friendly atmosphere has always existed in the media of Bangladesh. And you would be happy to know that there is a policy to follow while joining at Prothom Alo that all male colleagues need to read a book on feminism and strictly adhere to it”.
REad: Women suffer more violence from jobless men staying home: Webinar
Md. Shahriar Hossain Jisan, National Consultant of A2I ICT Division said “. The government has zero tolerance for harassment of girls on online platforms. However, support from the law can be obtained only when a written GD is filed. So we have to make these allegations with courage. And online careers are global, they have no boundaries. The range of online careers is much higher, especially for girls in this sector. Payment is also much higher, you can do this by developing your own skills.”
Shubhashis Roy, Head of Business of The Daily Star said, “Journalists now have to work and survive with the knowledge of ICT whether it is a boy or a girl. We are also moving forward along the path of digital Bangladesh. We need more girls in ICT, we have to bring equality of opportunity. It is necessary to create awareness in the society, more initiatives are needed from the government. Girls in ICT are essential to the future survival of the economy.”
Nazia Hasan, Head of Design at Design & API said, “We need a big change in the field of education, it should start from the very beginning. We have to try to create curiosity in children from an early age. Girls need to be encouraged to enter the ICT sector through various competitions.”
Read 3-day ‘WOW Virtual Bangladesh 2022’ begins celebrating women, girls’ inspiring stories
Talukdar Mohammad Sabbir, Director & CEO – BITM said, “At the beginning of the BITM course, the participation of girls was almost negligible. Yet that is not too much, about 15-20%. Probably a factor as to why they're doing so poorly. Boys are more likely to be seen in ICT sector courses, which is not desirable at all. Overall, where more than 40% of the girls should be present, more than 20% of us have never come here as participants, which is sad.”
Lightshow co-founder Sultana Razia said if women's participation in the ICT sector is not increased, women will lag behind in terms of empowerment. Lightshow will conduct training on STEMs, workshops on STEMs, hackathon on ARCTs and raising awareness on increasing ICT participation of women.
Daily Ittefaq , Radio Capital were the broadcast partners in this event. The youth collaborators were DEC Engineers Club, Lal Sabuj Society and UNICEB-Barisal Divisional Wing.
Read ICONE hosts programme for working women, their children
Xiaomi Redmi 10c Review: Can this budget phone fulfil users’ needs?
While Xiaomi is best known for its flagship products, the firm has gained traction in a number of areas. Thanks to its inexpensive handsets that provide respectable features for a low price. This prompted the company to announce a new smartphone in the Redmi series for the economic segment, dubbed the Xiaomi Redmi 10C, which would be the direct successor to the Redmi 9C from last year. Here goes a detailed review of Xiaomi Redmi 10c.
Key Features of Xiaomi Redmi 10c
Design
Let's begin with the design and manufacturing materials. In comparison to the previous generation, the Redmi 10c phone features a new design. The back and side frames are made of plastic, while the black camera bump is equipped with various elements such as imaging sensors, an LED flash, and a fingerprint reader.
Read Samsung Galaxy A23 4G: Can it uphold the reputation of ancestors?
Additionally, it has the Redmi logo, while the side frame houses the power button, volume controls, charging and speaker ports, as well as slides and a memory stick. The front end features a V-notch and a big bottom border. The phone measures 169.5 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm and weighs 190g. It is available in three colours: Mint Green, Graphite Gray, and Ocean Blue.
What is frustrating about the design is Xiaomi's decision to relocate the fingerprint scanner to the rear rather than the conventional power button. This is a big drop since many users prefer the fingerprint reader positioned on the side. However, others may disagree since everyone, in the end, has their own taste.
Display
The Redmi 10C features a 6.71-inch LCD monitor with a resolution of 1650 x 720 pixels, a pixel density of 268 PPI, and a maximum brightness of 400 nits.
Read Bluetooth Headphones Buyer Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh
Additionally, it has a Corning Gorilla Glass protective layer of the third generation. Exhibit 20:9. Additionally to other settings such as sunlight, the screen enables reading mode to shield the eyes from hazardous radiation. In conclusion, the screen is excellent and covers all of your everyday demands, but it will not be the deciding factor in your decision to purchase this phone.
However, this is compensated by the support for Widevine L1 HD files, which are capable of streaming high-definition videos from Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, allowing you to enjoy your favourite films in high-definition and completing the experience with a powerful speaker.
Thus, although the Redmi 10C may not have the finest screen, it does provide the most value for money, providing a high-quality screen suited for media consumption, whether watching videos, playing games, or surfing social media.
Read OnePlus NORD N20 5G: Leaks, Rumors, Probable Release Date
Cameras and Their Features
The cameras are one of the Redmi 10 C's strongest aspects. There is nothing to be concerned about in terms of their standards. Its compact rear cover conceals a square camera module that includes not just a dual-camera system and an LED flash but also a microSD card slot.
Along with 1080p video capturing at 30 frames per second, a 50MP main lens with an F/1.8 lens slot on the Samsung S5KJN1 sensor provides panoramic technology, HDR, and night mode.
Additionally, there is a 2MP OmniVision OV02B10 sensor with an F/2.4 lens slot for isolation, while the front has a 5MP selfie camera with an F/2.2 lens slot that enables 1080p@30fps video recording. Furthermire, there is a facial recognition function through the front camera and artificial intelligence that unlocks the lock screen when the device's owner's face is identified.
Read Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus Review: Is it worth it?
Performance and Software
When it comes to performance, the Redmi 10C excels in the majority of its basic and entertainment uses, such as surfing the web, watching videos on YouTube, and using social media platforms, as everything ran smoothly and without any issues with applications freezing or reaching abnormally high temperatures.
Whereas the Redmi 10C is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 680 octa-core CPU manufactured using a 6nm technology. The chipset comprises four Kryo 265 Gold cores running at 2.4GHz and four Kryo 265 Silver cores running at 1.9GHz. Qualcomm 600 series CPUs are often used in low- and mid-range smartphones. And the most recent smartphone, the Redmi Note 11, used this CPU, indicating its efficiency and reliability.
This comes with an Adreno 610 GPU, 4GB RAM, or up to 128GB inbuilt storage that can be expanded up to 1TB via external microSD card. This phone contributes to uninterrupted performance regardless of the task at hand by increasing typing speed, which results in speedier installation and loading of all your favourite applications.
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The Xiaomi UI provides a plethora of features and built-in functions that enhance the user experience, such as night mode support. Many people prefer Dark Mode.
The Xiaomi Redmi 10C also features dual-SIM slots that supports two nano-sim cards that support all bandwidth options such as 4G, 3G, and so on, ensuring that you will have enough coverage for calls and internet in addition to a MicroSD card on the same socket. The Redmi 10C offers dual-band WiFi connectivity at 2.4GHz and 5GHz, as well as Bluetooth 5.0. Additionally, NFC functionality is included.
Battery and Charger
The Xiaomi Redmi 10C is backed by a 5000mAh battery and is charged via a USB Type C socket using an 18W charging station that can charge the phone from empty to full in less than two hours. Allows for the connection of storage units and accessories through OTG.
Read Oppo F21 Pro now available across Bangladesh
In terms of battery life, it may easily last a day under normal to heavy usage. The phone comes with a 10W in-box charger, and an 18W charger is available for purchase separately.
Price of Redmi 10c in Bangladesh
Xiaomi has officially released the Redmi 10C in Bangladesh. For all the premium features of the phone, Xiaomi is charging BDT 12,999 for 4GB × 64GB variation and BDT 13,999 for 4GB × 128GB.
Conclusion
Xiaomi Redmi 10C smartphone is a budget smartphone with a stylish design and a powerful processor, ample memory of up to 128GB, 4GB RAM, industry-standard connectivity, a 6.71-inch HD+ display, and a 50 MP dual rear camera.
Read Vivo X Fold Review: Can it outsmart the other foldable phones?
However, like other budget phones 10c has some limitations too. It does not support fast charging which can cut the deal for the busy people who are always on the move. But on the whole, in this phone you get standard performance at a low price. If you are looking for a low-cost phone at the moment, Redmi 10C deserves your attention.
Eid: Samsung offers discounts on Galaxy A03, Galaxy Z flip 3 5G
Samsung has come up with different offers on Eid-ul-fitr 2022 on Smartphone purchases.
Samsung Galaxy A03, a device usually priced at Tk11,999, can now be purchased with a cashback of Tk1,000.
Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G, usually available for Tk111,999, is now up for sale with a cashback of Tk10,000.
Read: Realme narzo 50, C31 available across Bangladesh
The campaign will continue until the day before Eid-ul-Fitr.
Galaxy A03 comes with a power-efficient RAM and powerful processor, a dual-camera setup consisting of a 48MP main camera and a 2MP depth camera, all accompanied by a 5MP front camera.
Galaxy Z Flip 3, Samsung's newest addition to its premium family of Flip phones, signifies utility and style.
Read Walton Primo GH11 Review: The Ultra Budget Device Made in Bangladesh
Samsung Mobile Bangladesh recently launched a special campaign, offering chances to win a trip to Dubai, a new Suzuki Gixxer SF motorbike, discounts of up to Tk10,000 and more prizes on the purchase of any smartphone of the brand.
Samsung Mobile Bangladesh's Eid campaign 2022 will continue till May 1.
Chattogram: Samsung Eid campaign winners get prizes
Samsung Mobile Bangladesh recently launched a special campaign, offering chances to win a trip to Dubai, a new Suzuki Gixxer SF motorbike, discounts of up to Tk10,000 and more prizes on the purchase of any smartphone of the brand.
Celebrating the conclusion of the campaign ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, Zohad Reza Chowdhury, musician and brand ambassador of Samsung Mobile, handed over prizes to the winners at port city Chattogram's Sanmar Ocean City.
Read: Realme narzo 50, C31 available across Bangladesh
In addition to the campaign, Samsung offered zero percent equated monthly instalment (EMI) facilities to the consumers.
Realme narzo 50, C31 available across Bangladesh
Youth-centric brand realme's recently launched smartphones relame narzo 50 and realme C31. Both phones are now available across Bangladesh.
realme narzo 50
Narzo 50 4GB/64GB is available at Tk16,499 and C31 at Tk12990.
Narzo 50 is the latest phone from realme's narzo series for the gaming aficionados. It is the only phone in the market with a Helio G96 processor and 120Hz refresh rate at this price.
Read: Vivo Y33s available in new colour
The phone also features a 5000mAh battery for hours of uninterrupted usage and gaming.
If the device runs out of power, with the help of its 33W Dart Charge, the users can charge this phone from 0 percent to 100 percent in just 70 minutes.
Also, narzo 50 comes with a 50MP AI triple camera setup, ensuring that the users can capture crisp photos.
Read: Samsung Galaxy A23 4G: Can it uphold the reputation of ancestors?
realme C31
Combining a visual experience with a comfortable feel, C31 comes with a new dynamic texture design as thin as 8.4mm.
Alongside a large 6.5-inch HD+ display, the smartphone is facilitated with Unisoc T612.
Unisoc T612 is an octa-core 12nm processor that clocks up to 1.82 GHz and adopts Cortex A75 structure, delivering a powerful and stable performance.
Read Vivo Y33s available in new colour
Also, C31 comes with a 5000mAh battery.
Musk sells $4B in Tesla shares, presumably for Twitter deal
Elon Musk has sold 4.4 million shares of Tesla stock worth roughly $4 billion, most likely to help fund his purchase of Twitter.
Musk reported the sale in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday. The shares were sold over the past few days, at prices ranging from $872.02 to $999.13.
The world’s richest man, who is the CEO of Tesla, tweeted that he doesn’t plan any further sales of the company’s shares.
Also read: Twitter abuse victims fear Musk’s plans, but may not quit
Most of the sales took place on Tuesday, a day when Tesla shares closed down 12%, a huge single-day drop.
Analysts said Tesla investors are fearful that Musk will be distracted by Twitter and less engaged in running the electric car company. Twitter agreed to be acquired by Musk on Monday for $44 billion.
Also read:What Musk’s past tweets reveal about Twitter’s next owner
Vivo Y33s available in new colour
Global technology brand vivo has introduced three new colour schemes of Y33s in Bangladesh.
After Mirror Black and Starry Gold variants of Y33s, vivo unveiled the new Midday Dream variant.
Launched earlier this month, vivo Y33s is equipped with a 50MP rear camera.
Read: Samsung Galaxy A23 4G: Can it uphold the reputation of ancestors?
The smartphone is equipped with a 5000mAh battery powered by Vivo Energy Guardian technology. This feature enables Y33s to automatically stop charging after a full charge.
Y33s also features 18W Fast Charge for a seamless smartphone experience.
Priced at Tk20,990, the device has been crafted to match the lifestyles of the youths, who are always "on the go" and demand power-packed devices with cutting-edge features under the budget.
Read Walton Primo GH11 Review: The Ultra Budget Device Made in Bangladesh
Telecom Minister unveils data packs sans validity in Bangladesh
Bangladesh Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar on Thursday unveiled mobile data packs without validity as well as unlimited monthly internet plan at BTRC head office.
Grameenphone users can now buy 15GB internet at Tk 1,099 and 5GB data at Tk 449. Robi users will have to pay Tk 319 for 10GB data, Banglalink customers Tk 306 for 5GB and state-owned Teletalk users Tk 449 for 5GB internet. These packs, however, come with a yearly recharge rider.
Also read: Each union to get high speed broadband internet by 2023: Mustafa Jabbar
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) chairman Shyam Sunder Sikder and representatives of the telecom service providers were present at the programme.
Samsung Galaxy A23 4G: Can it uphold the reputation of ancestors?
Samsung's Galaxy A series are some of the most popular in the world. They come with a variety of features and apps to make your life easier. Whether you are looking for a phone to take pictures with or one that can keep up with your busy lifestyle, a Galaxy phone is sure to fit the bill. The company has released the newest iteration of their A series line, the Galaxy A23. Officially launched on April 21 in Bangladesh, A23 4G phone is available in all Samsung stores across the country. Let's see the Samsung Galaxy A23 review and know if the features can meet users' demands.
Key Features of Samsung Galaxy A23 4G
Design
With simple but refined curves, the Galaxy A23's Ambient Edge design easily connects the rare camera with the body seamlessly. The rear part of the phone offers 4 cameras and one flash on the top left corner. The right side of the phone contains a power button and volume rocker. The power button is also used for unlocking the phone.
The left edge of the phone contains a sim tray combined with an external memory card slot. The bottom part of the phone offers a charging port. The symmetric and slim Galaxy A23 comes in 3 colors, black, peach, and blue.
Read Bluetooth Headphones Buyer Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh
Display
The A23 comes with a 6.6-inch TFT V-Cut Display which can give you the opportunity to see more and do more. Furthermore, the FHD+ technology combined with a 90Hz refresh rate makes everything sharper and smoother. The main display is 167.2mm (6.6" full rectangle) with 1080 x 2408 FHD+ resolution.
The color depth of the phone is 16M. The PLS TFT LCD display can provide better image quality with higher resolutions. However, TFT displays tend to consume more energy. And that is why Samsung provides a massive battery with the phone.
Camera
This device has a quad rear camera. The 50-megapixel main camera has AF OIS, so you can take much clearer and brighter pictures. Also, while moving, you can make videos without any shaking. With the latest trend 5-megapixel ultra-wide camera, you will get the experience of taking natural pictures. It provides you with a wider field of view than a standard camera, making it easier to capture photos of large groups or landscapes. With the ultra-wide camera, you can capture 123 degrees angle of view.
Read OnePlus NORD N20 5G: Leaks, Rumors, Probable Release Date
It comes with a 2-megapixel depth camera that will help you focus on the subject while taking pictures by controlling the depth. You can adjust your photo's depth while also blurring the background for high-definition quality portraits.
There's also a 2-megapixel macro camera, which gives you the ability to take stunning photos in low light conditions. This is because the camera sensor is able to gather lighter than a standard camera sensor. The macro camera also allows you to take close-up pictures with great detail and clarity. This is perfect for capturing images of small objects, flowers, and other delicate subjects.
You can zoom up to 10x with the rear camera. In addition, there is an 8-megapixel camera on the front with a selfie focus facility. The good thing about the A23 camera is OIS. With OIS, the phone can record smooth videos while also capturing finer details even in low light.
Read Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus Review: Is it worth it?
Battery and Charging
Samsung Galaxy A23 comes with a 5000mAh battery that can give you backup for two days. As it has a much higher capacity than most other phones on the market, meaning that it will last much longer before needing to be recharged. The battery is very efficient, meaning that it may not overheat or over-discharge, making it safer to use. Further, the phone comes with a 25W fast charging capability.
So, what can you do with 5000mAh juice on A23? You can use up to 27 hours of the internet in 4G and 28 hours in Wi-Fi. However, if you want to see normal videos, you can watch up to 26 hours. For the audio playback, listen up to 174 hours. And finally, the talk time is up to 56 hours in 4G.
Performance and Memory
Galaxy A23 comes with 6GB RAM and 128GB ROM, while you can also add an external micro-SD card up to 1TB. The phone runs on a Snapdragon 680 octa-core 2.4GHz processor. As the Snapdragon 680 is designed for mid-range smartphones, it offers significant improvements over the previous generation Snapdragon 625.
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It has a faster CPU and GPU, as well as support for newer features such as USB 3.1 and Quick Charge 3.0. Moreover, you will also get better power efficiency thanks to its smaller size and 6nm process. This results in longer battery life and also makes the phone fast.
Software
Samsung A23 runs on Android 12 and features Samsung UI 4.1. Android 12 brings a number of new features and improvements over previous versions, including a revamped user interface, better performance, and support for newer devices. With the Samsung A23, you can enhance privacy using the Android 12.
Besides, it will also enhance your gaming experience. Overall the Android 12 with Samsung UI 4.1 will give you a smooth camera and mic experience, enhanced privacy, effortless gaming, dynamic color, and more.
Read Vivo X Fold Review: Can it outsmart the other foldable phones?
Customize your own Galaxy with One UI 4 and give your phone a rugged style to match your ethos. Create a tool that supplies you with the improved operation and lets you have your favorite functionalities in your account.
Security
A23 offers Samsung Knox for security. Built directly into the phone's hardware and software from the very beginning, Samsung Knox defends your phone as soon as it is turned on. Containing multilayered security, it shields your most sensitive information from malware and threats.
Price of Samsung Galaxy A23 in Bangladesh
Now, Samsung Galaxy A23 4G 6/128 GB is officially available in Bangladesh. With all of its tremendous features, you can buy the 6/128GB variant of Samsung A23 4G for Tk. 25,599. However, the price is subject to change depending on company policy.
Read Symphony Z42 Review: Affordable Phone from Local Market
Final Words
Samsung’s latest A series device A23 is a great mid-range phone that offers a lot of features for the price. Samsung Galaxy A23 4G comes with some definitive features such as 6.6" FHD+, 90Hz, Infinity V display, 50MP main camera with three other supporting cameras, 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging, and more. On the whole, it has a good camera, a good display, a massive battery and is easy to use.
If you are looking for a phone that has high-end features, the Galaxy A23 might be one of the best options for you. If you run an online business or you need to be on the phone most of the time, A23 will be the great pick.
Read Samsung Galaxy A13 4G Review: Does it live up to the hype?
Twitter abuse victims fear Musk’s plans, but may not quit
Perhaps no group of people is more alarmed about Elon Musk’s apparent plan to make Twitter a free speech free-for-all than those most likely to be targeted for harassment: women, racial minorities and other marginalized groups.
They fear that a more hands-off approach to policing the platform will embolden purveyors of hate speech, bullying and disinformation to ratchet up their bad behavior — a possibility Musk has done little to dispel.
Yet even those who have faced extreme harassment on Twitter say they are unlikely to quit the platform. Despite the negative psychological toll, they value Twitter as a diverse forum to express their views and engage with others.
That could help explain why Musk shows little concern for the underbelly of unfettered free speech, although advertisers - who account for about 90% of Twitter’s revenue - may not feel the same way.
Renee Bracey Sherman, a biracial abortion rights advocate, endures a steady stream of predictable criticism on Twitter and, occasionally, an eruption of vile tweets: messages calling for her death, photos of aborted fetuses and, recently, her likeness photo-shopped as a Nazi.
“It is a montage of hate and gore and violence,” Bracey Sherman said.
But while some famous people threaten to quit Twitter because of Musk, more typical users like Bracey Sherman say it’s not that simple. They cannot cannot leave Twitter and expect their followers to join them.
To mitigate the hate, Bracey Sherman blocks thousands of people and uses filters to hide the most extreme messages. She also reports the most egregious messages to Twitter, although she says the platform rarely takes action.
Twitter did not immediately respond for comment. The company says on its site that it does not permit targeted harassment or intimidation that could make people afraid to speak up. And it says it does not tolerate violent threats.
Also Read: What Musk’s past tweets reveal about Twitter’s next owner
Musk has called himself a “free-speech absolutist.” In tweets to his 85 million followers since Twitter accepted his $44 billion offer on Monday, Musk has made clear that he intends to regulate content with a much lighter touch, and that he isn’t too concerned by the groundswell of criticism that it is likely to fuel harmful content.
“The extreme antibody reaction from those who fear free speech says it all,” Musk tweeted Tuesday.
Playful, aggressive and often juvenile, Musk’s tweets show how he has used social media to craft his public image as a brash billionaire unafraid to offend. They may also reveal clues as to how Musk will govern the platform he hopes to own.
On Tuesday, Musk aimed criticism at one of Twitter’s top lawyers involved in content-moderation decisions. That led some of his followers to direct racist and misogynistic comments at the lawyer, Vijaya Gadde, who was born in India and immigrated to the U.S. as a child.
The uproar engulfing Twitter echoes what other social media companies have experienced in the recent past. When Facebook was slow to act to remove then-President Donald Trump from the platform for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol, users called for a boycott, but there was no mass exodus.
Even when fed-up users do leave a social media platform, there’s typically a stream of new users that come in right behind them. It’s not the angriest users who leave, experts say, but those who simply find no use for the platform.
While polls show all types of people are susceptible to online harassment, extensive research has shown that women and people of color are far more likely to be targeted, something Twitter itself acknowledges. That targeting is also true for people with disabilities, people who belong to religious minorities and members of the LGBTQ community.
Michael Kleinman, who has studied online harassment for Amnesty International, said if Twitter allows more hateful and abusive speech, marginalized people who get attacked are likely to express themselves less.
“No one feels safe in a public square where as soon as you speak, a hostile mob screaming obscenities descends upon you. That’s no longer a public square. That’s an arena,” Kleinman said.
Brianna Wu understands that arena as well as anybody.
She has received sexual-assault and death threats on Twitter since 2014, when she created a video game, Revolution 60, that featured women as protagonists. The harassment was part of a larger online campaign targeting female game developers that became known as GamerGate.
Wu has since worked closely with Twitter’s trust and safety team to improve the platform. She said “it terrifies me” to hear Musk talk about rolling back - if not completely wiping away - these efforts.
“We fought very, very hard to improve the platform for women, for LGBTQ people and people of color,” said Wu, who is white and identifies as bisexual.
Also Read: Twitter bans ads that contradict science on climate change
But Wu has no plans to leave Twitter, which she - a former candidate for Congress in Massachusetts - relies on for personal and professional relationships. “I’ve developed life-long friends on Twitter. I think it’s really sad that to get that human connection I’m going to have to deal with harassment again that damages and deadens your humanity.”
Not everyone is dead set on staying. Comic book writer Kelly Sue DeConnick, who has faced harassment as an advocate for gender equity in the entertainment industry, said she’ll wait to see what changes Musk makes before deciding.
“If this just becomes a place where people scream at each other and call each other names and wish one another ill, I’m out,” DeConnick said.
Bridget Todd, a spokeswoman for UltraViolet, an organization that advocates against discrimination in all forms, said that even though Twitter has managed to reduce harassment on its platform in recent years, she doesn’t use it as much as she once did.
Todd said she is deeply worried about Musk guiding the company to eliminate the protections it does have - which she considers inadequate. But she doesn’t intend to leave the platform.
“Our voices are so powerful on platforms like Twitter,” she said. “I don’t necessarily think that this signals the end of that, because I know our voices can really endure.”
Evan Feeney, campaign director for Color of Change, an online racial justice organization that works to improve the lives of Black people in the United States, called Musk’s push to relax content standards on Twitter “an alarming development.” He predicted more coordinated attacks on Black people, particularly Black women.
“It is never good when a single billionaire who purposely conflates freedom to harm with freedom of speech controls one of the (largest) social media platforms in the world,” Feeney said. “We’ve spent years pushing Twitter to implement polices we think have made the platform better. It’s alarming that with a flip of a switch those could be rolled back.”
Harassment on Twitter also spills over into the real world, and it highlights just how much victims sometimes are forced to put up with.
Bracey Sherman says people have placed stickers of racist symbols, including swastikas and monkeys, on her potted plants and the front door of her home. It is why she bristles at those who extol limitless free speech, and who suggest she should just toughen up and ignore it.
“What am I supposed to be able to handle?” she asked. “The fact that you are sending me photos of Nazis and telling me I should be raped over and over and over again?”