BFF-05 Whistleblower says Facebook generating terror content

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BFF-05

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Whistleblower says Facebook generating terror content

SAN FRANCISCO, May 10, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Facebook is unwittingly auto-
generating content for terror-linked groups that its artificial intelligence
systems do not recognize as extremist, according to a complaint made public
on Thursday.

The National Whistleblowers Center in Washington carried out a five-month
study of the pages of 3,000 members who liked or connected to organizations
proscribed as terrorist by the US government.

Researchers found that the Islamic State group and al-Qaeda were “openly”
active on the social network.

More worryingly, the Facebook’s own software was automatically creating
“celebration” and “memories” videos for extremist pages that had amassed
sufficient views or “likes.”

The Whistleblower’s Center said it filed a complaint with the US Securities
and Exchange Commission on behalf of a source that preferred to remain
anonymous.

“Facebook’s efforts to stamp out terror content have been weak and
ineffectual,” read an executive summary of the 48-page document shared by the
center.

“Of even greater concern, Facebook itself has been creating and promoting
terror content with its auto-generate technology.”

Survey results shared in the complaint indicated that Facebook was not
delivering on its claims about eliminating extremist posts or accounts.

The company told AFP it had been removing terror-linked content “at a far
higher success rate than even two years go” since making heavy investments in
technology.

“We don’t claim to find everything and we remain vigilant in our efforts
against terrorist groups around the world,” the company said.

Facebook and other social media platforms have been under fire for not
doing enough to curb messages of hate and violence, while at the same time
criticized for failing to offer equal time for all viewpoints, no matter how
unpleasant.

Facebook in March announced bans at the social network and Instagram on
praise or support for white nationalism and white separatism.

BSS/AFP/GMR/0822 hrs