Facebook is temporarily changing a rule that prohibits users from calling for violence in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The change, reported by Reuters, allows people in Ukraine, Poland and Russia to “call for violence against the Russian government and Russian soldiers in the context of the occupation of Ukraine.” This includes calling for death on Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
Facebook spokesperson Andy Stone confirmed in a statement that some posts that would otherwise have been removed are “temporarily” allowed under the company’s past rules prohibiting incitement to violence. However, such rhetoric against Russian civilians will not be allowed again.
Stone says, “As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have temporarily allowed forms of political expression, such as violent messages such as ‘Death to the Russian occupiers,’ that would normally violate our rules.”
The change shows once again how effective social media platforms can be during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Facebook has taken several steps before to limit the influence of Russian state media outlets and cracked down on a network of fake accounts that promoted pro-Russian propaganda. The Russian government responded by banning Facebook.
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