Facebook admits it blocked WikiLeaks links, but won't say why
Facebook has acknowledged it blocked links to WikiLeaks’ DNC email dump, though (again) hasn’t explained why.
On Twitter, WikiLeaks noted that there was a workaround for posting links.
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WikiLeaks
✔@wikileaks
For those facing censorship on Facebook etc when trying to post links directly to WikiLeaks #DNCLeak try using https://archive.is
3:07 AM - 24 Jul 2016
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User SwiftOnSecurity also took Facebook to task, which prompted a response from Facebook’s Chief Security Officer Alex Stamos.
24 Jul
SwiftOnSecurity @SwiftOnSecurity
@wikileaks Facebook has an automated system for detecting spam/malicious links, that sometimes have false positives. /cc@alexstamos
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Alex Stamos @alexstamos
@SwiftOnSecurity @wikileaks It's been fixed.
2:21 AM - 24 Jul 2016
But we don’t know why Facebook took issue with the links. It’s possible its algorithm incorrectly identified them as malicious, but it’s another negative mark on the company’s record nonetheless. WikiLeaks is a known entity, not some torrent dumping ground.
Previously, Facebook was discovered to have removed a Live video of Philando Castille dying, and posts of the Bastille Day aftermath were scrubbed from the newswire. Its news bar has also come under fire for being biased.
Facebook can call the issues disparate, but they’re not — not to users. At some point, the ignorance and blind claims of ‘damn that algorithm’ have to end. If Facebook wants us to turn to it for news and treat it seriously, then it has to be much more open.
The WikiLeaks link issue has reportedly been fixed, which is great — but also not really the point. The fact links to the archive was blocked at all suggests there’s a very tight reign on what’s allowed on Facebook across the board, and that’s a problem.
VIA GIZMODO
Facebook has acknowledged it blocked links to WikiLeaks’ DNC email dump, though (again) hasn’t explained why.
On Twitter, WikiLeaks noted that there was a workaround for posting links.
Follow
WikiLeaks ✔@wikileaks
For those facing censorship on Facebook etc when trying to post links directly to WikiLeaks #DNCLeak try using https://archive.is
3:07 AM - 24 Jul 2016
- https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?in_reply_to=757109900199723009
3,2383,238 Retweets
3,2273,227 likes
All Killer, No Filler
We’re bringing Momentum to New York: our newest event, showcasing only the best speakers and startups.
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User SwiftOnSecurity also took Facebook to task, which prompted a response from Facebook’s Chief Security Officer Alex Stamos.
24 Jul
SwiftOnSecurity @SwiftOnSecurity@wikileaks Facebook has an automated system for detecting spam/malicious links, that sometimes have false positives. /cc@alexstamos
Follow
Alex Stamos @alexstamos@SwiftOnSecurity @wikileaks It's been fixed.
2:21 AM - 24 Jul 2016
But we don’t know why Facebook took issue with the links. It’s possible its algorithm incorrectly identified them as malicious, but it’s another negative mark on the company’s record nonetheless. WikiLeaks is a known entity, not some torrent dumping ground.
Previously, Facebook was discovered to have removed a Live video of Philando Castille dying, and posts of the Bastille Day aftermath were scrubbed from the newswire. Its news bar has also come under fire for being biased.
Facebook can call the issues disparate, but they’re not — not to users. At some point, the ignorance and blind claims of ‘damn that algorithm’ have to end. If Facebook wants us to turn to it for news and treat it seriously, then it has to be much more open.
The WikiLeaks link issue has reportedly been fixed, which is great — but also not really the point. The fact links to the archive was blocked at all suggests there’s a very tight reign on what’s allowed on Facebook across the board, and that’s a problem.
VIA GIZMODO
