In an attempt to address issues about race and prejudice in America, Facebook on Friday published new recommendations for group admins.
Groups have been struggling to moderate conversations about the Black Lives Matter movement and racial inequality in the U.S., with many admins resorting to deleting posts deemed "political." Of course, not all were happy with the removal of such posts. Some members opted out of groups they've been a member of for years, while some had to shut down the groups entirely due to arguments and hostility among its members.
The problem had become so widespread that Facebook had to address the matter directly. In one of its recommendations, the social network said that leaders should specify what topics are allowed and which ones to refrain from.
Facebook also advised admins to educate themselves on the racial issues that have been causing massive protests across America and to "create opportunities for new and diverse members" to join a group's mod team. Additionally, the social media network has rallied for group leaders and members to be "open to change" and acknowledge current events with a post that lays out rules, listen to members, and moderate posts thoroughly by reviewing each one before they go live.
"We know these conversations are hard and reflect ongoing disparities in our society," Facebook said. "They are also necessary, and we hope that we can continue to help you facilitate ongoing discussions and learning."
Facebook has recently removed nearly 200 accounts on its social media platforms associated with white supremacy groups. These groups have reportedly encouraged their members to crash protests against police brutality.
Facebook on Friday confirmed that it took down 190 accounts on both Facebook and Instagram with ties to hate groups that have already been banned on the platforms -- the American Guard and the Proud Boys. It said it will continue to remove new pages, groups, or accounts created by users trying to circumvent the permanent ban.
A report from the Associated Press said that officials were already monitoring the accounts before removing them off the platforms, which was how they learned about the plot to infiltrate ongoing protests prompted by the wrongful killing of a 46-year-old African-American named George Floyd.
Facebook did not reveal the locations of the users or how they planned to disrupt protests. The company had previously removed multiple accounts linked to racist groups posing as members of anti-fascist organizations.
