Facebook updated its hate speech policy to ban any content that denies or distorts the Holocaust. The announcement cites an increase in global antisemitism and an “alarming level of ignorance about the Holocaust, especially among young people.” The decision comes as Facebook and other online platforms face intense scrutiny over the content shared on their platforms (including an ongoing review of legislation that governs certain liability protections).
More context: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg faced criticism in 2018 for comments related to content posted by users that denies the Holocaust. In a blog post yesterday, he noted that his “thinking has evolved” regarding the balance between promoting free speech and the harm caused by denying the Holocaust.
