Facebook removes network linked to “violent, anti-government” US group

Facebook has removed and banned a network of many accounts linked to a “violent, anti-government” US group. 

The social media giant said that the network was loosely associated with the broader far-right “Boogaloo Bois” movement. But it was distinct as it actively sought to be involved in violence.

According to the international news agency, Boogaloo Bois is a loose association advocating the overthrow of the government and committed to gun ownership. It shares followers with some neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups, libertarians, and anarchists.

The announcement comes after several advertisers boycotted Facebook over hate speech. Companies such as Ford, Adidas, Coca-Cola, and Starbucks decided to stop advertising from Facebook, urged on by campaigners who say the social media platform has not taken part to remove racist and hateful content.

Facebook said in a statement, “It is actively promoting violence against civilians, law enforcement and government officials and institutions,” “Members of this network seek to recruit others within the broader boogaloo movement, sharing the same content online and adopting the same offline appearance as others in the movement to do so.”

Over 220 accounts have been removed and another 95 accounts from Instagram, as well as 28 pages and 106 groups that “currently comprise the network”.

It stated, “We have also removed over 400 additional groups and over 100 other pages for violating our Dangerous Individuals and Organizations policy,”

Facebook also said that the removal of the accounts was “the latest step in our commitment to ban people who proclaim a violent mission from using our platform”.