Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with IsraeliHub and MassChallenge IL, held a special 24-hour Hackathon on 23-24 March, to develop algorithmic solutions to the scourge of online hatred.

11 teams made up of over 50 web developers came together at the MassChallenge accelerator in Jerusalem’s Machane Yehuda neighborhood to develop and test technologies to address the problem of hate speech on social networks. The panel of judges included tech journalists, senior executives from Israel’s high-tech industry, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) representatives.

The teams began their work at 10AM on Thursday, 25 Adar, and worked for 24 hours straight.

On Friday morning, the teams presented to the judges a rich array of new algorithmic ideas and solutions for combating online hatred incitement.

Prizes were awarded to the top three ideas which in the opinion of the judging panel could significantly reduce hate content on social networks. These winning teams will now work in cooperation with the MFA to continue the development of their projects. Ultimately, these new digital opportunities will help the MFA enhance its work around the world.

Yuval Rotem, Director-General of the MFA, remarked, “This is a very important initiative. The problem of hatred on social media is acute and technological solutions can significantly contribute to its eradication.”

“From a broader professional perspective, this initiative is a concrete expression of our policy of integrating innovation and technology in our diplomatic work.”

“Today, algorithmic diplomacy is an essential part of our diplomatic toolbox. I’m proud of our R&D unit, whose creativity, professionalism and skill enable the MFA to play an important and leading role both nationally and globally”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)