Facebook Now Sending Messages To Some Users Asking About Potentially ‘Extremist’ Friends
Facebook Now Sending Messages To Some Users
Asking About Potentially ‘Extremist’ Friends
Some
Facebook users have recently reported being sent warning messages from the
social media giant relating to “extremists” or “extremist content.”
“Are you concerned that someone you know is becoming an
extremist?” one message reads.
“We care about preventing extremism on Facebook. Others in your
situation have received confidential support.”
The
message also provides a button to “Get Support,” which leads to another
Facebook page about extremism.
Redstate editor Kira Davis, who said was sent a screenshot of
the message from a friend, wrote: “Hey has anyone had this message pop up
on their FB? My friend (who is not an ideologue but hosts
lots of competing chatter) got this message twice. He’s very disturbed.”
And others reported getting
a warning that they may have been “exposed to harmful extremist
content recently.” The message then states that “violent groups try to
manipulate your anger and disappointment,” similarly offering a “Get Support”
option.
“Facebook randomly sent me this notice about extremism when
I clicked over to the app. Pretty weird. … The Get Support
button just goes to a short article asking people not to be
hateful,” another user on Twitter wrote.
A Facebook spokesperson confirmed to The Epoch Times on July 1
that the company is currently running the warnings as a test to some users.
“This test is part of our larger work to assess ways to provide
resources and support to people on Facebook who may have engaged with or were
exposed to extremist content, or may know someone who is at risk. We are
partnering with NGOs and academic experts in this space and hope to have more
to share in the future,” the spokesperson said, without elaborating.
The messages come after lawmakers have repeatedly targeted and pressured CEOs
of big tech firms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, and Microsoft, essentially
accusing them of allowing “extremism,” misinformation, and cyberbullying on
their platforms. Such social media companies have faced criticism from
Republicans who have accused them of censoring conservative voices and limiting
the reach—or outright blocking—content that portrays Democrat political figures
in a negative light.
Conservatives, including former President Donald Trump, have
argued for the revocation of Section 230 of the federal Communications Decency
Act, which serves as a liability shield for online publishers. However, the
movement to rein in Big Tech was dealt a blow earlier this week when a federal
judge tossed a
Federal Trade Commission lawsuit against Facebook that had accused the firm of
engaging in anti-competitive practices.
These
warning messages, however, are sure to trigger even more negative feedback
against Facebook and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, over fears that the company is
attempting to stifle free speech. On Twitter, as screenshots of
the warning messages were being shared en masse on July 1, many users expressed
concern over the direction Facebook is taking.
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