Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has given his support to the social media boycott against online hate and believes social media platforms haven't done enough to combat abuse.
On Thursday,Hamilton said he will support this weekend's social media boycott and called on the social media companies to do more to eradicate online hate.
A sports social media boycott against online abuse has gathered momentum with Hamilton joining sporting bodies in showing solidarity with England’s soccer leagues.
European soccer governing body Uefa said it would join this weekend’s action, with tennis, cricket, rugby and cycling at national level.
The Mercedes driver is the only black driver in Formula One and has been in the forefront in fighting racism in sports. He championed the hashtag #BlackLivesMatters and has openly criticised the vice that is killing the passion in sports.
“I’m fully supportive of the initiative. If me also doing it helps put pressure on those platforms to help fight against it, then for sure I’m happy to do so,” said the Briton, who has also experienced online abuse.
“There’s algorithms, there’s things they’re able to see, they’re able to take steps to help and create more of an antiracist society. That’s what we’ve really got to be pushing towards.”
McLaren’s Lando Norris, who is particularly active across social media, said he is discussing the matter with his British-based team.
Uefa said it will stay silent across its platforms, starting at 4pm on Friday.