Update: this story was first reported by TwoCircles. Update: 99Acres has outlined the steps it is taking to prevent discriminatory real estate listings: 1. Automated filter: It has introduced a software-based filter that will flag listing automatically for review if it carries the name of any religion, caste or community. 2. Notice to consumers: The 99acres home page now carries the following message – “Usage of 99acres.com to upload content which enables inappropriate targeting by religion/community/caste/race is prohibited. Please report inappropriate content by writing to us at legal@99acres.com.” 3. Flagging and reporting system: In addition there is also a prominent button on every listing page to report inappropriate content. Most people will report inappropriate content from the listing page where they see the content All in all, the perfect way of addressing the situation, without going overboard with moderation: automated filtering means that it is not knowingly allowing upload of discriminatory listings, and hence is likely to not be held liable. The flagging and reporting system allows for crowdsourced moderation. Earlier (November 8): Info Edge owned real estate portal 99 acres found itself caught in a controversy yesterday, after a broker posted a listing for a flat on its website with 'no Muslims' as a feature of the housing society. Update: the story was first reported by TwoCircles. The listing, which read "Excellent brand new 2BHK fully furnished flat with cross ventilation, natural light. Cosmopolitan society, no Muslims, with car parking on immediate sale, fifth floor interested please call", went viral on social media, and attracted attention…
