Facebook Tests User Warnings of ‘Harmful Extremist Content’
Facebook is now testing prompts targeted to users the social media giant believes may be “becoming an extremist,” per multiple outlets. The in-app messages direct users to resources aimed at combating extremism.
Thursday, multiple users reported receiving a new Facebook notification that warns about possible exposure to “extremist content.” Social media consultant Matt Navarra shared screenshots of both warnings on his Twitter feed:
Facebook will also alert you if you’ve been exposed to extremist content pic.twitter.com/H64Qrki8Kj
— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) July 1, 2021
Facebook spokesman Andy Stone confirmed that the messages “are part of our ongoing Redirect Initiative work,” part of its effort to fight extremism on its platform, a hot-button topic since the tech giant’s means of determining what qualifies as extremism remain unclear. Recent reports of a pro-Israel Facebook page being attacked and canceled by antisemitics and pages such as conservative Christian actor Kevin Sorbo’s being canceled as well have caused concerns for many.
“This test is part of our larger work to assess ways to provide resources and support to people on Facebook who may have engaged with or were exposed to extremist content, or may know someone who is at risk,” an email from a Facebook spokesperson said in response to a Fox News query. “We are partnering with NGO’s and academic experts in this space and hope to have more to share in the future.”
Fox News also inquired about those nongovernmental organizations the outlet is partnering with and how they determine content is “harmful” and “extremist” but received no response.
Social media users were quick to notice and point out the warnings with accompanying comments:
You know what just might radicalize someone? An automated system piping up to say “you may have been exposed to harmful extremist content recently.” https://t.co/bj3F8R64W4
— Jesse Walker (@notjessewalker) July 2, 2021
Relax and let Facebook do your thinking for you. https://t.co/8z0CjdXM1p
— Kevin Cullen (@CoachKCullen) July 1, 2021
“You may have been exposed to harmful extremist content”
Just another ticker on your SECRET social credit score. pic.twitter.com/3YL8UYGUQ6
— Colton O’Brian (@ColtonObrian) July 1, 2021
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