Facebook[3] Censorship is a complex phenomenon that involves the social media[2] giant’s use of algorithmic methods to regulate and control content on its platform. This process can include the surveillance of instant communications and inherent biases in machine learning[1] systems that may affect content distribution. It also involves the controversial decisions made by Facebook’s founder, Mark Zuckerberg, on the limitations of expression and content distribution on the platform. Additionally, Facebook censorship extends to various countries around the world, which have imposed restrictions or outright bans on the platform due to political, religious, or legal reasons. These actions can result in temporary or permanent Facebook bans, impacting society and government actions. Lastly, Facebook’s censorship practices contribute to the broader global issue of social media censorship, highlighting the need for ongoing scrutiny and discussion.
Facebook is a social networking service that has been gradually replacing traditional media channels since 2010. Facebook has limited moderation of the content posted to its site. Because the site indiscriminately displays material publicly posted by users, Facebook can, in effect, threaten oppressive governments. Facebook can simultaneously propagate fake news, hate speech, and misinformation, thereby undermining the credibility of online platforms and social media.
Many countries have banned or temporarily limited access to Facebook. Use of the website has also been restricted in various ways in other countries. As of July 2022, the only countries to continually ban access to the social networking site are China, Iran, North Korea, Myanmar, Russia, Turkmenistan and Uganda. However, since most North Korean residents have no access to the Internet, China, Russia, and Iran are the only countries where access to Facebook is actively restricted in a wholesale manner, although it is possible to access the site through onion services.