Social media networks struggle to detect incriminating posts within their platforms in an attempt to contain extremism amid threats of violence during inauguration day in the US.
As various US agencies get busier in preparations to inaugurate a new President and Vice President, social media networks also find themselves with their hands full in attempting to detect posts with hints of extremism. Protesters in the past, particularly during the violent January 6 protest at the US Capitol, used social media networks like Twitter and Facebook to consolidate their ranks. Amid threats of new violence during inauguration day, social media platforms are scrambling to prevent a repeat of that event.
Threat of inauguration violence casts a long shadow over social media - https://t.co/yCQBsHSql6#breakingnews #news #Latestnews #newsupdate #newsdesk #trendingnews#newspaper #instanews #headlines pic.twitter.com/nyd4v5dBmk — 'NewsDesk' (@readnewsdesk) January 17, 2021
Reports say that major social media networks are in the process of shoring up their defenses amid violent threats that might come to fruition during inauguration day on January 20. Among the efforts undertaken by these Internet platforms are incriminating posts that hint at violent extremism. Despite these efforts, however, social media companies admit extremism continues to exist in plain sight.
Pulling Emergency Breaks
Many social media networks pulled their emergency breaks in the past couple of weeks on several known personalities, which include big political figures. Citing national stability and security, Facebook, Twitter, Google, Amazon, and Apple arrived at historic decisions in an attempt to curtail extremism, and perhaps prevent more threats of violence from being sown across its platforms. Internet platforms are reportedly doubling down on these efforts as inauguration day nears.
Other social media networks like Reddit, TikTok, Snapchat, and even Pinterest also took their own actions in stemming extremism within their platforms amid threats of violence as inauguration day nears. Sources say the Internet platforms decided to take action to prevent terror plots from being concocted on their platforms, which might lead to a repeat of the violent protest on January 6 at the US Capitol.
Holding Its Breath
With inauguration day less than 48 hours away, social media platforms are holding their breath and making last-minute efforts to detect posts that hint of extremism. Amid threats of violence from the same people who occupied the iconic US Capitol, Internet platforms like Twitter and Facebook keep a watchful eye for any attempt to use the networks to sow terror during the inauguration.
Facebook revealed that it already took action against some groups attempting to promote extremism and violence during inauguration day. The social media network reported and took down digital flyers asking for an "armed march on Capitol Hill and all state Capitols." Other digital networks also reported taking down similar threats of violence within their platforms. No one knows whether such efforts can curb extremism or prevent any group from making violent threats. Social media platforms say they will know if they are successful come inauguration day.
