Facebook Vows to Block White Nationalism, Separatism on Site

By WSJ City 

Facebook said it would begin banning content that praises or represents white nationalism and white separatism on its Facebook and Instagram platforms next week.

"We didn't originally apply the same rationale to expressions of white nationalism and separatism because we were thinking about broader concepts of nationalism and separatism--things like American pride and Basque separatism, which are an important part of people's identity. It's clear that these concepts are deeply linked to organised hate groups and have no place on our services."

The company, in a statement on its website.

KEY FACTS

--- The company said it needs to improve on finding and removing hate from its platforms.

--- It also said it would start redirecting people who search for terms associated with white supremacy to Life After Hate.

-- Life After Hate is an organisation that helps people leave hate groups.

--- Pressure on Facebook has mounted following a live stream of the New Zealand mosque massacre.

--- That prompted the country's prime minister to call for overhauling New Zealand's social-media laws.

Why This Matters

The social-media giant previously only restricted users from supporting white supremacy. The company said Wednesday that after talks with academics and civil groups over the past three months, it determined white nationalism and separatism can't be separated from white supremacy and other hate groups.

A fuller story is available on WSJ.com

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 28, 2019 04:54 ET (08:54 GMT)

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