Facebook tests alerting users to extremist posts
Today
05:35 am JST
Today | 06:46 am JST
SAN FRANCISCO
A Facebook test of pop-up boxes asking people whether they think friends are becoming extremists raised concerns Friday among U.S. conservatives who felt their voices might be stifled.
Facebook spokesman Andy Stone said in a Twitter exchange that the alerts sprang from an initiative at the social network to combat violent extremism and dangerous organizations.
"Redirect Initiative" features are intended to route people using hate- or violence-related search terms toward resources, education or outreach groups aimed at more harmonious outcomes, according to Facebook.
For example, Facebook said that searches related to white supremacy in the United States get directed to a Life After Hate group that provides crisis intervention.