The World is currently grappling with two major issues. The contagion hitting various economies around the world owing to economic slow down in China and the migrant crisis in Europe. The migrant crisis stems from refugees fleeing war in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and other Middle East nations. Others are economic refugees moving to Europe in search of a better life for themselves and their families.
The tech world has been accused of failure to do enough to solve the crisis. This saw a Palestinian startup create a free SMS solution allowing the refugees receive legal advice. Using their mobile phones, the refugees can check if they have the right to work, if their children can access education services as well as critical information to make the transition bearable. Following a call by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Facebook announced it will take stricter measures to monitor hate speech and xenophobic messages on its platform. Facebook partnered with the German internet watchdog as well as police force, where posts will be taken down while authorities pursue the perpetrators.
Google has now launched a donation-matching campaign seeking to raise $11 million, targeting organization working towards helping the refugees. The targeted organizations include Doctors Without Borders, International Rescue Committee, Save the Children and UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Google said it would match the first $5.5 Million worth of donations made totaling the amount to $ 11 Million. The move from Google is much welcome, though the problem might need a larger , concerted effort to resolve.
