Social media platform Omegle criticised as “Wild West” of the internet for allegedly hosting antisemitic, racist and other abusive encounters

Video chat platform Omegle is being described as the “Wild West” of the internet for allegedly hosting antisemitic, racist and other abusive encounters.

The extreme racism on the Omegle platform came to light as some users apparently became “social media vigilantes” to record and share their encounters on the platform. Unlike mainstream social-media platforms, Omegle allegedly does not have policies for reporting users’ behaviour if they violate its terms of service. Also, as an account is not needed, the platform affords anonymity.

Though founded in 2009, Omegle was barely known until recently, as searches for the site soared in November and December following the publication of videos with the Omegle hashtag were posted on another social media platform, TikTok, and garnered millions of views.

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