Facebook has announced an update to its hate speech policy, banning Holocaust denial content on its platform.
Less than a week after it announced a full ban on QAnon, and the removal of related pages, groups, and Instagram accounts, Facebook is now announcing an update to its hate speech policy, banning all Holocaust denial content. However, Facebook said that enforcement “cannot happen overnight” as it takes time to train reviewers and moderation systems.
Back in 2018, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had said that his company wouldn’t be banning Holocaust denial despite it being “deeply offensive.” The decision to finally ban related content comes at a time when online attacks against various groups around the world are increasing, so it’s good that Facebook is looking to eradicate all kinds of hateful content.
Related | Facebook Bans QAnon Across Its Platforms
“Our decision is supported by the well-documented rise in anti-Semitism globally and the alarming level of ignorance about the Holocaust, especially among young people,” explains Monika Bickert, VP of Content Policy. “According to a recent survey of adults in the US aged 18-39, almost a quarter said they believed the Holocaust was a myth, that it had been exaggerated or they weren’t sure.”
In the last year, Facebook has also banned “anti-Semitic stereotypes” like “the collective power of Jews” who supposedly run the world and/or its major institutions. More recently, it banned around 250 white supremacist organizations and updated its platform policies to address QAnon and Militarized Social Movements.
In terms of enforcement, Facebook says it “took down 22.5 million pieces of hate speech” in Q2 2020.
You might also like
More from Facebook
Meta Is Killing Its Messenger For Apple Watch App
Meta announced it will remove the Messenger for Apple Watch app on May 31 “After May 31st, Messenger won’t be available …
Facebook And Instagram Start Selling Blue Checks With Meta Verified
Meta Verified will give you a blue check badge on both Facebook and Instagram, along with other benefits for $12 …
Meta Brings Back #BuyBlack Friday For A Third Year
Meta is bringing back #BuyBlack Friday for a third consecutive year in North America. Meta emphasized the importance of the Holiday …
Facebook Is Giving You More Controls Over What You See On Your Feed
Facebook is introducing new "show more" and "show less" controls to let you adjust what you want to see on …
Meta Introduces Facebook Reels API, Offering An Option To ‘Share To Reels’
Meta has introduced the Facebook Reels API, a solution allowing developers to build a 'share to reels' option into their …
Facebook Gets Into Delivery With DoorDash Partnership
DoorDash is partnering with Meta to pilot Facebook Marketplace deliveries across multiple cities in the U.S. Drivers will only transport items …
Meta Rolls Out Horizon Worlds In France And Spain
Meta Horizon Worlds, the VR community and game, is now available in France and Spain.
Meta Refreshes Facebook Groups With New Features
Facebook Groups now have an updated invitation system to reduce admin workloads and limit sharing of misinformation.
Meta Offers Digital Security Course For Journalists And Human Rights Defenders
The Meta Journalism Project and the ICFJ have put together a self-paced 90-minute course and webinars to provide online safety …
