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July 1, 2021 6:21 PM By Oliver Darcy, CNN Business
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July 1, 2021 6:21 PM
Some Facebook users in the United States are being served a prompt that asks if they are worried that someone they know might be becoming an extremist. Others are being notified that they may have been exposed to extremist content.
It is all part of a test the social media company is running that stems from its Redirect Initiative, which aims to combat violent extremism, Andy Stone, a Facebook spokesperson, told CNN. Screen shots of the alerts surfaced on social media Thursday.
“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,” Stone said.
Worried your friend is an extremist? Facebook wants to help Brandon Sapienza
Facebook is now asking some users in the United States if they, or someone they know, have been subject to extremist content, and if they believe certain posts might have radicalized a friend.
The odd questions came from the tech giant’s Redirect Initiative, whose goal it is to prevent extremism from pervading through the social network.
“We are partnering with NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and academic experts in this space and hope to have more to share in the future,” said a Facebook spokesperson in a statement, to USA Today.
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Facebook is asking some U.S. userswhether they may have been exposed to extremist content, or if they are worried that someone they know might be becoming an extremist.
The social network said the queries are part of a test of its Redirect Initiative, which intends to combat violent extremism, the company confirmed Thursday. We are partnering with NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and academic experts in this space and hope to have more to share in the future, a Facebook spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
The test comes as the world s largest social media network continues to face intense scrutiny from critics, experts and politicians to curb extremism across its platforms. A closer eye has been placed on Facebook in the U.S. after the deadly insurrection at the Capitol on Jan. 6 when supporters of then-President Donald Trump tried to prevent Congress from certifying Joe Biden s presidency.
AP Photo/Susan Walsh
Conservatives have long warned about Big Tech companies censoring speech that strays from the leftist narrative, but on Thursday, Facebook launched a more proactive and terrifying campaign against “extremism.” It seems the company is notching up its invasive surveillance to the “Orwellian” level.
“Are you concerned that someone you know is becoming an extremist?” one notification asks. “We care about preventing extremism on Facebook. Others in your situation have received confidential support.”
The notification includes an “i” for information icon featuring the message “How you can help: Hear stories and get advice from people who escaped violent extremist groups.”
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By Oliver Darcy, CNN Business
Some Facebook users in the United States are being served a prompt that asks if they are worried that someone they know might be becoming an extremist. Others are being notified that they may have been exposed to extremist content.
It is all part of a test the social media company is running that stems from its Redirect Initiative, which aims to combat violent extremism, Andy Stone, a Facebook spokesperson, told CNN. Screen shots of the alerts surfaced on social media Thursday.
“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,” Stone said.