The social media conglomerate corporation, Facebook has announced an update to its policies on hate speech on its platform, particularly on posts and comments regarding the Holocaust. The company revealed in a blog post that it will now prohibit any content that “denies or distorts the Holocaust”.
Facebook further explained that it also recently banned content that features anti-Semitic stereotypes, such as stereotypes that depict Jewish people as a collective power behind global institutions and forces.
The outlaw on Holocaust denial in particular comes after research showed a rise in anti-Semitism, as well as ignorance around the Holocaust. “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,” Facebook said.
Facebook is also going to include tools to help educate users around the events of the destruction. An upcoming feature will redirect users who are searching for terms or queries related to the Holocaust to pages and portals with reliable information.
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said in a statement that he was relieved that Facebook would categorize the denial as hate speech, but also noted that “decisions of this nature are only as good as the companies’ enforcement.”
“Facebook now needs to reassure the global community that it is taking meaningful and comprehensive steps to ensure that Holocaust deniers are no longer able to take advantage of Facebook’s various platforms to spread antisemitism and hate,” he continued.
Main Image: Vox
