Full FeedFacebook is stubborn on position with Holocaust-denial groups amid some uproar
Yesterday after becoming rather popular on the ‘net for hosting several Holocaust-denial groups, Facebook went and shut two of them down. And left at least three of them going strong. Gee…some more random picking and choosing on Facebook’s part? “You two groups are hateful…you others…nah…not so much.” Ummm…right.
In response to what has been going on, Facebook spokesperson Barry Schnitt says “Denying the holocaust is not a violation of our terms.” I don’t know about other writers discussing this, but that wasn’t my reasoning for saying this is a violation of Facebook Terms of Service. Yes, I get that people have a right to have their heads up their butts and think the Holocaust never happened. I also get they have the right to think whatever they want. But according to Facebook Terms of Service, they do not have the right to make hateful statements on that site. And it is being done. What? In the name of discussing ideas? Puh-lease.
They seem to be kind of hoping the groups will kind of self-destruct all on their own, so they don’t need to be taken down.
“We are monitoring these groups and if the discussion among members degrades to the point of promoting hate or violence, despite whatever disclaimer the group description provides, we will take them down. This has happened in the past, especially when controversial groups are publicized.”
OK. I’ll just watch little Johnny play with those matches in that building full of gasoline-soaked rags, I won’t take the matches from him, or pull him out of the building. Nope…I will just wait for him to start the fire and then hope to be able to put it out. Good thinking, Facebook. You haven’t seen enough sparks flying around those rooms yet.
Again, hate is a violation. The words and discussions going on in those rooms are not an intellectual debate of whether or not the Holocaust happened or not. They are not primarily a gathering place for deciding whether it was 6 million or 11 million people who died; whether the vast majority was Jewish or persecuted for other religious, sexual or political orientations. I will always be an advocate for discussion of ideas. Whether they agree with my own or not. I will not be an advocate of hate and prejudice. And that is what I see here, and Facebook allowing; regardless of that they are saying. And yes…it does break their Terms.
Some people are saying that this probably isn’t the only hate group on Facebook, and why all the hoopla surrounding this one? Why not support removal of all the others? You’re right. None should be allowed. If Facebook is going to be putting that clause into their Terms of Service, then they should back that up. This one did get coverage when Brian Cuban publicized it by going after Facebook. Do you know of another? Then make a stand, make it known. Don’t turn the other way and become part of the problem.
Facebook, you need to stop making it seem as though we are saying denial is a violation. We aren’t. Denial is just a cover for the hate that is spewing, and you are allowing. And it is wrong.
via: cnet
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I guess this is yet another example of the “non-violent” discussions going on in the groups left on the board….(From the Wall in the group “F*ck Israel And Their Holocaust Bullsh*t”)
“Haider Ali Hussain wrote
on May 12, 2009 at 03:09 PM - LINKat 11:47pm yesterday
apartheid is a word which best sums up the jewish resentment to anyone non jewish. Even sounds jewish. Spreading lies this time about north korea. You know jews are trying to create world war 3. I hope they do so i have an excuse to massacre them”
Facebook need to be careful around these issues however, as it is hard to define where the line is drawn between free speach and hate crime. @ Jodie yes that does sound like a hate crime, however it seems no worse to me than the opinions of many westerners of Muslims, I am not saying this justifys it I just wish to make it clear this happens in all cultures not just those who deny the holocaust.
on May 12, 2009 at 04:17 PM - LINKBen…I absolutely agree that it can happen within any culture and toward any culture. Thus me saying that Facebook needs to address it in ALL areas, not just this one…and that if people are aware of other groups perpetuating hateful messages (which Facebook says they do not allow as per their ToS) to make it known, so these things can be at least shut down on the site.
In their ToS…Under “Safety”...Section 3, Number 6 says this:
“You will not post content that is hateful, threatening, pornographic, or that contains nudity or graphic or gratuitous violence.”
Notice the very FIRST word. Hateful. If the messages posted in these groups don’t fall under the term “hateful”...I’m confused as to what does.
on May 12, 2009 at 04:59 PM - LINKhey i knew i’d find something i agreed with you on, jodie.
on June 16, 2009 at 08:49 PM - LINKthese groups are one hateful, spiteful mob after another. I’m ashamed to say it’s even worse with some of the Australian anti-muslim/anti-immigrant groups. Funny thing about Asutralian law too.. we have no inherent freedom of speech laws. In fact, we passed a law a couple of years ago making rascist remarks an actual breach of law. Does this change facebook’s stand on removing the groups? Not one iota.