Facebook is removing some posts promoting anti-lockdown protests
Facebook has started removing certain posts promoting anti-lockdown protests, saying events that violate social distancing guidelines won't be allowed.
The social media platform, CNN reported on Monday, is removing some posts on protests against stay-at-home orders in California, New Jersey and Nebraska "after consulting with officials in those states." Protests of this kind against stay-at-home orders amid the coronavirus pandemic have recently arisen in some cities, although polls have shown that more Americans are concerned about restrictions being loosened too soon rather than not soon enough.
A Facebook spokesperson said Monday events will be banned if they violate a state's social distancing guidelines and are prohibited by the government.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"Unless government prohibits the event during this time, we allow it to be organized on Facebook," a spokesperson told CNN. "For this same reason, events that defy government's guidance on social distancing aren't allowed on Facebook."
According to CNN, posts specifically made using Facebook Events are being removed, though other posts, such as through Facebook groups, may potentially not be removed. Facebook is reportedly looking into whether anti-lockdown events in Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York are prohibited under the states' social distancing guidelines.
As Facebook bans harmful misinformation amid the coronavirus crisis, CEO Mark Zuckerberg was asked in an appearance on Good Morning America on Monday whether posts organizing these stay-at-home protests would qualify when they call for the defiance of social distancing guidelines.
"We do classify that as harmful misinformation, and we take that down," Zuckerberg responded. "At the same time, it's important that people can debate policies. So there's a line on this."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
The challenge facing Syria's Alawites
Under The Radar Minority sect that was favoured under Assad now fears for its future
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Biden's AI rules keep the genie in the bottle?
Talking Points A new blow in the race for 'geopolitical superiority'
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Israel and Hamas reach long awaited Gaza ceasefire
The Explainer After more than a year of violence that has left tens of thousands dead and pushed the Middle East toward broader regional war, negotiators say an end is in sight
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
US port strike averted with tentative labor deal
Speed Read The strike could have shut down major ports from Texas to Maine
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Biden expected to block Japanese bid for US Steel
Speed Read The president is blocking the $14 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel, citing national security concerns
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Judges block $25B Kroger-Albertsons merger
Speed Read The proposed merger between the supermarket giants was stalled when judges overseeing two separate cases blocked the deal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Rupert Murdoch loses 'Succession' court battle
Speed Read Murdoch wanted to give full control of his empire to son Lachlan, ensuring Fox News' right-wing editorial slant
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Bitcoin surges above $100k in post-election rally
Speed Read Investors are betting that the incoming Trump administration will embrace crypto
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Enron mystery: 'sick joke' or serious revival?
Speed Read 23 years after its bankruptcy filing, the Texas energy firm has announced its resurrection
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US charges Indian tycoon with bribery, fraud
Speed Read Indian billionaire Gautam Adani has been indicted by US prosecutors for his role in a $265 million scheme to secure solar energy deals
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Boeing machinists approve contract, end strike
Speed Read The company's largest union approved the new contract offer, ending a seven-week strike
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published