REUTERS: Facebook Inc said on Thursday that it is starting to alert some users that they may have seen “extremist content” on the social networking site. A warning that asked “Are you afraid that someone you know is becoming an extremist?” and another that warned users “you may have been exposed to hazardous extremist information recently” were both screenshots shared on Twitter. Both had “get support” links.
The world’s largest social media network has long been under fire from lawmakers and civil rights organizations for failing to combat extremism on its platforms, including domestic movements in the United States, such as those involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, in which supporters of former President Donald Trump attempted to prevent the United States Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the November election.
The limited test, which is solely on Facebook’s main platform, is being done in the United States as a pilot for a global approach to preventing radicalization on the site, according to Facebook.
In an emailed statement, a Facebook spokeswoman stated, “This test is part of our larger work to examine methods to provide resources and support to anyone on Facebook who may have engaged with or been exposed to extremist content, or may know someone who is at risk.” “In this space, we’re collaborating with NGOs and academic specialists, and we hope to have more to contribute in the future.” It said the actions were part of its commitment to the Christchurch Call to Action, a movement involving major digital platforms to combat violent extremist content online that was established in the aftermath of a live-streamed attack in New Zealand in 2019.
In the test, Facebook said it was looking for both users who may have been exposed to rule-breaking extremist content and users who have previously been subject to Facebook’s enforcement.
The firm, which has recently reinforced its restrictions against violent and hate organizations, said it removes certain content and accounts that break its rules before it is seen by users, but that other stuff may be accessed before it is enforced.
(New York-based reporter Elizabeth Culliford contributed to this report; Kenneth Li and David Gregorio edited it.)/n
