Tech giant Facebook has won preliminary approval from a federal court on Wednesday for settlement of a lawsuit that claimed it illegally collected and stored biometric data of millions of users without their consent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-removes-hundreds-of-qanon-groups-citing-public-safety-risks-321797">Facebook removes hundreds of QAnon groups, citing public safety risks</a>

In July, Facebook Inc raised its settlement offer by $100 million to $650 million concerning their lawsuit that involved Illinois users accusing them of violating the US state's Biometric Information Privacy Act.&nbsp;

According to Judge James Donato's order filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, the revised settlement agreement resolved the court's concerns, leading to the preliminary approval of the class action settlement.

"Preliminary approval of the amended stipulation of class action settlement, Dkt. No. 468, is granted, and a final approval hearing is set for January 7, 2021," the judge said in the eight-page order.

The social media giant allegedly violated the state's law through its "Tag Suggestions" feature, which began in 2015. This feature allowed users to recognize their Facebook friends from previously uploaded photos, according to the lawsuit.

(Inputs from Agencies)

Tech giant Facebook has won preliminary approval from a federal court on Wednesday for settlement of a lawsuit that claimed it illegally collected and stored biometric data of millions of users without their consent.

Tech giant Facebook has won preliminary approval from a federal court on Wednesday for settlement of a lawsuit that claimed it illegally collected and stored biometric data of millions of users without their consent. Also read: Facebook removes hundreds of QAnon groups, citing public safety risks In July, Facebook Inc raised its settlement offer by $100 million to $650 million concerning their lawsuit that involved Illinois users accusing them of violating the US state's Biometric Information Privacy Act. According to Judge James Donato's order filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, the revised settlement agreement resolved the court's concerns, leading to the preliminary approval of the class action settlement. "Preliminary approval of the amended stipulation of class action settlement, Dkt. No. 468, is granted, and a final approval hearing is set for January 7, 2021," the judge said in the eight-page order. The social media giant allegedly violated the state's law through its "Tag Suggestions" feature, which began in 2015. This feature allowed users to recognize their Facebook friends from previously uploaded photos, according to the lawsuit. (Inputs from Agencies)

Facebook wins preliminary approval to settle facial recognition lawsuit

Thailand's government has threatened&nbsp;legal action against social media giant Facebook over posts criticising monarchy.

Digital Economy Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta ordered authorities to identify “inappropriate” material and singled out 114 posts mostly made to Facebook but also Twitter and YouTube that may be in breach of the Computer Crimes Act.

“All evidence will be gathered and submitted to court tomorrow.&nbsp;Once the court has issued an order, it will be forwarded to the three platforms. If within 15 days, the accounts are not closed or posts deleted, we’ll immediately take legal action.”

Meanwhile, the country's King Maha Vajiralongkorn swore in a new cabinet on Wednesday, calling for "order and peace" but without mentioning recent anti-government student protests that have urged reforms of the powerful monarchy.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thai-students-protest-against-you-know-who-in-harry-potter-style-318035">Thai students protest against 'you-know-who' in Harry Potter style</a>

The ceremony marked the king's first public appearance since the nearly unprecedented calls in two student-led protests for curbing the new powers King Vajiralongkorn has amassed since taking the throne after the death of his father in 2016.

So far, two organisers of the anti-government movement have been arrested on charges of violating emergency coronavirus bans on large gatherings. Human rights lawyer Anon Nampa, 35, and student activist Panupong Jadnok, 23, are now free on bail.

Protests have been held nearly every day since July 18, calling for the resignation of Prayuth, who first took power in a 2014 coup, and an end to military domination of politics.

Thailand's government has threatened legal action against social media giant Facebook over posts criticising monarchy. Digital Economy Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta ordered authorities to identify “inappropriate” material and singled out 114 posts mostly made to Facebook but also Twitter and YouTube that may be in breach of the Computer Crimes Act.

Thailand's government has threatened legal action against social media giant Facebook over posts criticising monarchy. Digital Economy Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta ordered authorities to identify “inappropriate” material and singled out 114 posts mostly made to Facebook but also Twitter and YouTube that may be in breach of the Computer Crimes Act. “All evidence will be gathered and submitted to court tomorrow. Once the court has issued an order, it will be forwarded to the three platforms. If within 15 days, the accounts are not closed or posts deleted, we’ll immediately take legal action.” Meanwhile, the country's King Maha Vajiralongkorn swore in a new cabinet on Wednesday, calling for "order and peace" but without mentioning recent anti-government student protests that have urged reforms of the powerful monarchy. Also see: Thai students protest against 'you-know-who' in Harry Potter style The ceremony marked the king's first public appearance since the nearly unprecedented calls in two student-led protests for curbing the new powers King Vajiralongkorn has amassed since taking the throne after the death of his father in 2016. So far, two organisers of the anti-government movement have been arrested on charges of violating emergency coronavirus bans on large gatherings. Human rights lawyer Anon Nampa, 35, and student activist Panupong Jadnok, 23, are now free on bail. Protests have been held nearly every day since July 18, calling for the resignation of Prayuth, who first took power in a 2014 coup, and an end to military domination of politics.

Thai government threatens legal action against Facebook over posts criticising monarchy

Facebook stocks leapt over six per cent on Thursday as the social networking giant launched Instagram's new feature Reels helping founder Mark Zuckerberg's net worth to surge to $100 billion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mark-zuckerberg-suggests-google-and-apple-are-bigger-threats-than-facebook-316907">Also Read: Mark Zuckerberg suggests Google and Apple are bigger threats than Facebook</a>

The social networking site had launched Reels in America on Wednesday pitching it as a competitor to TikTok which has been involved a battle with the Trump administration over its continuation in the US amid espionage allegation by the US government.

Watch:

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Zuckerberg who holds 13 per cent stake in the company has joined Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in the $100 billion club.

Zuckerberg aims to create a short video platform with Reels pitching it as a substitute for TikTok in America. Facebook had earlier created a platform named Lasso two years ago but it had failed to compete with TikTok which was enjoying huge popularity among users at that time.

Facebook shares have been on the rise for the past week rising over 13 per cent amid buoyant quarterly report on July 30. Facebook had said it had made a profit of $5.2 billion on $18.7 billion in revenue in the recent quarter amid the coronavirus pandemic. The users in the platform also grew rising to a high of 2.7 billion.

"This was a strong quarter for us, especially compared to what we expected at the start," Zuckerberg had said while announcing the results. The Facebook chief also informed that the user base of WhatsApp and Messenger each month topped three billion.

On the pandemic, Zuckerberg said: "Imagine going through this pandemic two decades ago when the internet was nascent Facebook didn't even exist."

Facebook stocks leapt over six per cent on Thursday as the social networking giant launched Instagram's new feature Reels helping founder Mark Zuckerberg's net worth to surge to $100 billion.

Facebook stocks leapt over six per cent on Thursday as the social networking giant launched Instagram's new feature Reels helping founder Mark Zuckerberg's net worth to surge to $100 billion. Also Read: Mark Zuckerberg suggests Google and Apple are bigger threats than Facebook The social networking site had launched Reels in America on Wednesday pitching it as a competitor to TikTok which has been involved a battle with the Trump administration over its continuation in the US amid espionage allegation by the US government. Watch: Zuckerberg who holds 13 per cent stake in the company has joined Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in the $100 billion club. Zuckerberg aims to create a short video platform with Reels pitching it as a substitute for TikTok in America. Facebook had earlier created a platform named Lasso two years ago but it had failed to compete with TikTok which was enjoying huge popularity among users at that time. Facebook shares have been on the rise for the past week rising over 13 per cent amid buoyant quarterly report on July 30. Facebook had said it had made a profit of $5.2 billion on $18.7 billion in revenue in the recent quarter amid the coronavirus pandemic. The users in the platform also grew rising to a high of 2.7 billion. "This was a strong quarter for us, especially compared to what we expected at the start," Zuckerberg had said while announcing the results. The Facebook chief also informed that the user base of WhatsApp and Messenger each month topped three billion. On the pandemic, Zuckerberg said: "Imagine going through this pandemic two decades ago when the internet was nascent Facebook didn't even exist."

Zuckerberg's net worth zooms to $100 billion amid launch of Instagram Reels; joins Gates, Bezos in elite club

Jeff Bezos is very rich, so is Bill Gates and so is Mark Zuckerberg. But can you really assess how rich they are.

There can be no definite parameter, you say. "Researchers" have, however, devised a way -- knowing how long it would take him to, for example, earn your entire years’ salary, tackle your entire student debt or pay off your mortgage.

A new website will you give you these exact numbers, as they apply to Bezos and 14 other tech moguls. The company says it uses data on salary, bonuses, earnings from equity and other forms of compensation from 2019 SEC filings to let you calculate just how quickly people like Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, Susan Wojcicki of YouTube and Reed Hastings of Netflix could pay off all of your expenses.

The data hence tells us the 15 best-paid CEOs in tech have a combined annual income of over $83bn --&nbsp;greater than the entire gross domestic product of hundreds of countries.

One will be surprised to know Bezos earns a common man's entire salary in under a minute.

As for Elon Musk, his net-worth is almost 20 times the entire budget of the county he sued. He could pay a common man monthly rent after less than 30 minutes of work. 
&nbsp;

Jeff Bezos is very rich, so is Bill Gates and so is Mark Zuckerberg. But can you really assess how rich they are. There can be no definite parameter, you say. "Researchers" have, however, devised a way -- knowing how long it would take him to, for example, earn your entire years’ salary, tackle your entire student debt or pay off your mortgage.

Jeff Bezos is very rich, so is Bill Gates and so is Mark Zuckerberg. But can you really assess how rich they are. There can be no definite parameter, you say. "Researchers" have, however, devised a way -- knowing how long it would take him to, for example, earn your entire years’ salary, tackle your entire student debt or pay off your mortgage. A new website will you give you these exact numbers, as they apply to Bezos and 14 other tech moguls. The company says it uses data on salary, bonuses, earnings from equity and other forms of compensation from 2019 SEC filings to let you calculate just how quickly people like Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, Susan Wojcicki of YouTube and Reed Hastings of Netflix could pay off all of your expenses. The data hence tells us the 15 best-paid CEOs in tech have a combined annual income of over $83bn -- greater than the entire gross domestic product of hundreds of countries. One will be surprised to know Bezos earns a common man's entire salary in under a minute. As for Elon Musk, his net-worth is almost 20 times the entire budget of the county he sued. He could pay a common man monthly rent after less than 30 minutes of work.

Use this calculator to assess how rich billionaires really are

ByteDance is surrounded in a new controversy, but this time it is the Chinese company accusing someone else, and not the other way around.

TikTok's Chinese parent company has accused the social media giant Facebook of plagiarism and smears.

"ByteDance has always been committed to becoming a global company. During this process, we have faced all kinds of complex and unimaginable difficulties, including the tense international political environment, collision and conflict of different cultures and plagiarism and smears from competitor Facebook," the company said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-confirms-exploring-buying-tiktok-in-us-after-trump-and-nadella-talk-317711">Also read:&nbsp;Microsoft confirms exploring buying TikTok in US after Trump and Nadella talk</a>

The statement was issued on late Sunday night on its official account on Jinri&nbsp;Toutiao, a news aggregator app it owns.

While the company was prompt to accuse, there was no further explanation or details provided by the Beijing-based company.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-give-tiktoks-chinese-owner-45-days-to-agree-sale-317737">Also read:&nbsp;Trump to give TikTok's Chinese owner 45 days to agree sale</a>

This is not the first time TikTok and Facebook have been on each other's hit-list. Last year, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had accused TikTok&nbsp;of censoring political protest, which was denied by ByteDance.

Facebook has not yet responded to the accusation.

TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance has been in the news due to a possible ban in the US, as announced by the US President Donald Trump. The White House has further proposed a deal of Microsoft taking over the US operations of the short-video sharing app. A final decision is yet to be taken.

ByteDance is surrounded in a new controversy, but this time it is the Chinese company accusing someone else, and not the other way around. TikTok's Chinese parent company has accused the social media giant Facebook of plagiarism and smears.

ByteDance is surrounded in a new controversy, but this time it is the Chinese company accusing someone else, and not the other way around. TikTok's Chinese parent company has accused the social media giant Facebook of plagiarism and smears. "ByteDance has always been committed to becoming a global company. During this process, we have faced all kinds of complex and unimaginable difficulties, including the tense international political environment, collision and conflict of different cultures and plagiarism and smears from competitor Facebook," the company said in a statement. Also read: Microsoft confirms exploring buying TikTok in US after Trump and Nadella talk The statement was issued on late Sunday night on its official account on Jinri Toutiao, a news aggregator app it owns. While the company was prompt to accuse, there was no further explanation or details provided by the Beijing-based company. Also read: Trump to give TikTok's Chinese owner 45 days to agree sale This is not the first time TikTok and Facebook have been on each other's hit-list. Last year, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had accused TikTok of censoring political protest, which was denied by ByteDance. Facebook has not yet responded to the accusation. TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance has been in the news due to a possible ban in the US, as announced by the US President Donald Trump. The White House has further proposed a deal of Microsoft taking over the US operations of the short-video sharing app. A final decision is yet to be taken.

TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance accuses Facebook of plagiarism

Facebook condemned Saturday what it called an "extreme" ruling by a Brazilian Supreme Court judge ordering it to block the accounts of 12 high-profile allies of President Jair Bolsonaro, which it vowed to appeal.

Brazil's Supreme Court is overseeing an investigation into allegations that members of the far-right president's inner circle ran a social media campaign to discredit the court, as well as slander and threaten its judges.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-agrees-to-pay-650m-to-settle-facial-recognition-lawsuit-317458" hreflang="en">Facebook agrees to pay $650M to settle facial recognition lawsuit</a>

A spokesperson for Facebook said the order was "extreme" and threatens "freedom of expression outside of Brazil's jurisdiction", but said the company has agreed to the order.

"Given the threat of criminal liability to a local employee, at this point we see no other alternative than complying with the decision by blocking the accounts globally, while we appeal to the Supreme Court," the spokesperson said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaros-poll-numbers-rise-in-brazil-despite-controversial-virus-handling-315855">Bolsonaro's poll numbers rise in Brazil despite controversial virus handling</a>

Justice Alexandre de Moraes had ruled on Thursday that Facebook and Twitter failed to comply with orders to block the accounts because they were only blocked within Brazil, but remained accessible with foreign IP addresses.

On Friday, he ruled that Facebook must pay a $367,710&nbsp;fine for not complying and face further daily fines of 100,000 reais per day if it does not block the accounts in question globally.

Before the fine was announced, Facebook said on Friday that it would appeal the decision. The world's largest social network said it respects the laws of countries where it operates, but that "Brazilian law recognizes the limits of its jurisdiction."

The judge's fine only addressed Facebook's non-compliance. It was not clear whether Twitter would face a similar fine.

The judge originally decided in May to block 16 Twitter accounts and 12 Facebook accounts of Bolsonaro supporters who have been linked to a probe into the spreading of fake news during Brazil's 2018 election.

The accounts were blocked due to allegations that they violated laws on hate speech.

Facebook condemned Saturday what it called an "extreme" ruling by a Brazilian Supreme Court judge ordering it to block the accounts of 12 high-profile allies of President Jair Bolsonaro, which it vowed to appeal.

Facebook condemned Saturday what it called an "extreme" ruling by a Brazilian Supreme Court judge ordering it to block the accounts of 12 high-profile allies of President Jair Bolsonaro, which it vowed to appeal. Brazil's Supreme Court is overseeing an investigation into allegations that members of the far-right president's inner circle ran a social media campaign to discredit the court, as well as slander and threaten its judges. Also read: Facebook agrees to pay $650M to settle facial recognition lawsuit A spokesperson for Facebook said the order was "extreme" and threatens "freedom of expression outside of Brazil's jurisdiction", but said the company has agreed to the order. "Given the threat of criminal liability to a local employee, at this point we see no other alternative than complying with the decision by blocking the accounts globally, while we appeal to the Supreme Court," the spokesperson said. Also read: Bolsonaro's poll numbers rise in Brazil despite controversial virus handling Justice Alexandre de Moraes had ruled on Thursday that Facebook and Twitter failed to comply with orders to block the accounts because they were only blocked within Brazil, but remained accessible with foreign IP addresses. On Friday, he ruled that Facebook must pay a $367,710 fine for not complying and face further daily fines of 100,000 reais per day if it does not block the accounts in question globally. Before the fine was announced, Facebook said on Friday that it would appeal the decision. The world's largest social network said it respects the laws of countries where it operates, but that "Brazilian law recognizes the limits of its jurisdiction." The judge's fine only addressed Facebook's non-compliance. It was not clear whether Twitter would face a similar fine. The judge originally decided in May to block 16 Twitter accounts and 12 Facebook accounts of Bolsonaro supporters who have been linked to a probe into the spreading of fake news during Brazil's 2018 election. The accounts were blocked due to allegations that they violated laws on hate speech.

Facebook slams 'extreme' ruling blocking Bolsonaro allies

Four of the most powerful men in the tech world faced some major heat in an unprecedented anti-trust hearing. When US lawmakers brought up China - Bezos, Pichai, and Cook stayed quiet. But, Zuckerberg talked. WION's Palki Sharma brings you the highlights of the hearing.

Gravitas: Big tech CEOs evade questions on China

Four most powerful men in the tech world will answer pointed questions from the US lawmakers in a crucial anti-trust hearing. Watch report.

Big Tech CEO's divided on China technology heft | US Congress | World News

Key moments of antitrust hearing: Bezos' snack, 'Put your mask on'

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg did not hesitate to point out that his company lags behind some competitors on various aspects during an antitrust testimony before a Congressional&nbsp;panel.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-steals-content-from-honest-businesses-sundar-pichai-questioned-316889" hreflang="en">'Google steals content from honest businesses': Sundar Pichai questioned</a>

Zuckerberg pointed out that Amazon is the fastest-growing advertising platform and Google is the biggest.&nbsp;

"In many areas, we are behind our competitors," Zuckerberg said. "The most popular messaging service in the US is iMessage. The fastest growing app is TikTok. The most popular app for video is YouTube. The fastest growing ads platform is Amazon. The largest ads platform is Google. And for every dollar spent on advertising in the US, less than ten cents is spent with us."

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Executives of these tech companies were asked to appear at once as it allows them to spread the burden.&nbsp;

Questions for alleged abuse of their market power from Democrats and Republicans on Wednesday for Google Inc and Facebook Inc were stricter than those of Apple Inc as the case of antitrust is stronger in their case than Tim Cook's company.&nbsp;

Facebook CEO was also questioned about its purchase of Instagram in 2012 and if they acquired it as it was a threat.&nbsp;

According to Zuckerberg, the deal was reviewed by the Federal Trade Commission. He went on to say that Instagram at the time was a tiny photo-sharing app rather than a social-media phenomenon.

"People didn't think of them competing with us in that space," he said.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg did not hesitate to point out that his company lags behind some competitors on various aspects during an antitrust testimony before a Congressional panel.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg did not hesitate to point out that his company lags behind some competitors on various aspects during an antitrust testimony before a Congressional panel. Also read: 'Google steals content from honest businesses': Sundar Pichai questioned Zuckerberg pointed out that Amazon is the fastest-growing advertising platform and Google is the biggest. "In many areas, we are behind our competitors," Zuckerberg said. "The most popular messaging service in the US is iMessage. The fastest growing app is TikTok. The most popular app for video is YouTube. The fastest growing ads platform is Amazon. The largest ads platform is Google. And for every dollar spent on advertising in the US, less than ten cents is spent with us." × Executives of these tech companies were asked to appear at once as it allows them to spread the burden. Questions for alleged abuse of their market power from Democrats and Republicans on Wednesday for Google Inc and Facebook Inc were stricter than those of Apple Inc as the case of antitrust is stronger in their case than Tim Cook's company. Facebook CEO was also questioned about its purchase of Instagram in 2012 and if they acquired it as it was a threat. According to Zuckerberg, the deal was reviewed by the Federal Trade Commission. He went on to say that Instagram at the time was a tiny photo-sharing app rather than a social-media phenomenon. "People didn't think of them competing with us in that space," he said.

Mark Zuckerberg suggests Google and Apple are bigger threats than Facebook

WION Fineprint: US tech giants gird for tough hearing, Antitrust hearing in US

Facebook&nbsp;has won the first round of its court battle against what it says are excessive demands from European Union antitrust regulators after Europe's second-top court temporarily halted such requests until it makes a final ruling.

The US&nbsp;social media group is being investigated by the European Commission for its trove of data and online marketplace, which may lead to hefty fines and orders to change its business practices.

On July 15, Facebook&nbsp;sued the EU competition enforcer at the Luxembourg-based General Court, saying that the Commission was seeking information beyond what is necessary, including highly personal details.

It also asked for interim measures to stop a May 4 information request. Failure to comply could expose it to a daily penalty payment of $9.4 million.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/trump-campaign-runs-facebook-advertisements-asking-if-he-should-ban-tiktok-314800">Trump campaign runs Facebook advertisements asking if he should ban TikTok</a>

The Court in a judgment dated July 24 suspended the EU request while waiting for the Commission's comment and its ruling on&nbsp;Facebook's application for interim relief.

It said such a move would "prevent a situation whereby the contested material is disclosed in violation of the fundamental right to privacy of the applicant’s management and employees, depriving of any effect any order for interim measures that may eventually be granted".

EU regulators are trawling documents looking for about 2,500 search phrases which include "big question", "shut down" and "not good for us", and which could be found in employees' health information or even job applications, said a person familiar with the matter.

Facebook has won the first round of its court battle against what it says are excessive demands from European Union antitrust regulators after Europe's second-top court temporarily halted such requests until it makes a final ruling.

Facebook has won the first round of its court battle against what it says are excessive demands from European Union antitrust regulators after Europe's second-top court temporarily halted such requests until it makes a final ruling. The US social media group is being investigated by the European Commission for its trove of data and online marketplace, which may lead to hefty fines and orders to change its business practices. On July 15, Facebook sued the EU competition enforcer at the Luxembourg-based General Court, saying that the Commission was seeking information beyond what is necessary, including highly personal details. It also asked for interim measures to stop a May 4 information request. Failure to comply could expose it to a daily penalty payment of $9.4 million. Also read: Trump campaign runs Facebook advertisements asking if he should ban TikTok The Court in a judgment dated July 24 suspended the EU request while waiting for the Commission's comment and its ruling on Facebook's application for interim relief. It said such a move would "prevent a situation whereby the contested material is disclosed in violation of the fundamental right to privacy of the applicant’s management and employees, depriving of any effect any order for interim measures that may eventually be granted". EU regulators are trawling documents looking for about 2,500 search phrases which include "big question", "shut down" and "not good for us", and which could be found in employees' health information or even job applications, said a person familiar with the matter.

Facebook gains temporary court reprieve on EU antitrust data demand

Facebook announced on Monday that it has delayed the release of its second-quarter results by a day to July 30 so that CEO Mark Zuckerberg can provide testimony before a US congressional hearing.

FB Delays second quarter results as Zuckerberg set to appear before Congress

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign is running&nbsp;Facebook ads&nbsp;claiming that the Chinese-owned short video app TikTok is spying on users.

The ads link to a survey asking whether TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based tech giant ByteDance, should be banned in the United States. They also ask for respondents' names and contact details.

"TikTok is spying on you,” claimed one ad. “TikTok has been caught red handed by monitoring what is on your phone’s clipboard,” it said.

TikTok&nbsp;is estimated to have close to a billion users worldwide, and has long battled allegations that it is a spying tool for Beijing, pointing out it has an American CEO and consistently denying allegations that it shares user data.

Earlier this month, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States was “certainly looking at” banning Chinese social media apps, including TikTok. India banned TikTok and other Chinese apps in June.

Trump blames China for the coronavirus pandemic, which continues to ravage the US, threatening the American economy and the president's reelection.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-could-have-stopped-the-virus-but-didnt-trump-lashes-out-at-china-again-314740">They could have stopped the virus but didn't: Trump lashes out at China again</a>

But he also fell victim to&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;users, who along with legions of K-pop fans, claimed to have sabotaged Trump's campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma last month by reserving blocks of tickets for the event they had no intention of attending. Trump's campaign boasted it had receive a million ticket requests, but only 6,200 people attended.

TikTok has said that it has never provided user data to China and that it would not do so if asked, and a spokeswoman told Reuters on Monday the company has "no higher priority than promoting a safe app experience that protects our users' privacy.”

Last month, when Apple released to developers a test version of its iOS operating system with new privacy features, developers showed images of TikTok's app triggering notifications that it was copying data from users' clipboards, where data is temporarily stored while copying and pasting from one app to another.

TikTok said the notifications were caused by an anti-spam feature but it ended the practice June 27.

TikTok also hit out at Facebook for running the ads. "Facebook is taking money for a political ad that attacks a competitor just as it's preparing to launch a TikTok copycat,” the spokeswoman said in an email to Reuters.

Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company’s photo-sharing app Instagram will soon be expanding its test of a short video format called Reels to the United States, according to media reports.

US President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign is running Facebook ads claiming that the Chinese-owned short video app TikTok is spying on users. The ads link to a survey asking whether TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based tech giant ByteDance, should be banned in the United States.

US President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign is running Facebook ads claiming that the Chinese-owned short video app TikTok is spying on users. The ads link to a survey asking whether TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based tech giant ByteDance, should be banned in the United States. They also ask for respondents' names and contact details. "TikTok is spying on you,” claimed one ad. “TikTok has been caught red handed by monitoring what is on your phone’s clipboard,” it said. TikTok is estimated to have close to a billion users worldwide, and has long battled allegations that it is a spying tool for Beijing, pointing out it has an American CEO and consistently denying allegations that it shares user data. Earlier this month, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States was “certainly looking at” banning Chinese social media apps, including TikTok. India banned TikTok and other Chinese apps in June. Trump blames China for the coronavirus pandemic, which continues to ravage the US, threatening the American economy and the president's reelection. Also read: They could have stopped the virus but didn't: Trump lashes out at China again But he also fell victim to TikTok users, who along with legions of K-pop fans, claimed to have sabotaged Trump's campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma last month by reserving blocks of tickets for the event they had no intention of attending. Trump's campaign boasted it had receive a million ticket requests, but only 6,200 people attended. TikTok has said that it has never provided user data to China and that it would not do so if asked, and a spokeswoman told Reuters on Monday the company has "no higher priority than promoting a safe app experience that protects our users' privacy.” Last month, when Apple released to developers a test version of its iOS operating system with new privacy features, developers showed images of TikTok's app triggering notifications that it was copying data from users' clipboards, where data is temporarily stored while copying and pasting from one app to another. TikTok said the notifications were caused by an anti-spam feature but it ended the practice June 27. TikTok also hit out at Facebook for running the ads. "Facebook is taking money for a political ad that attacks a competitor just as it's preparing to launch a TikTok copycat,” the spokeswoman said in an email to Reuters. Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company’s photo-sharing app Instagram will soon be expanding its test of a short video format called Reels to the United States, according to media reports.

Trump campaign runs Facebook advertisements asking if he should ban TikTok

As the United States struggles with coronavirus, Facebook&nbsp;founder Mark Zuckerberg today criticised the Trump administration asserting that "our government and this administration have been considerably less effective in handing the virus."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-makes-a-grim-record-registers-over-77000-coronavirus-cases-in-a-day-313892">Also Read:&nbsp;US makes a grim record, registers over 77,000 coronavirus cases in a day</a>

Zuckerberg did a live Facebook interaction with top US infectious disease&nbsp;expert Anthony Fauci on coronavirus and NIH's research into possible treatments and vaccine candidates.

Fauci implored young people to continue social distancing and other measures.

"Please assume the societal responsiblity of being part of the solution, not part of the problem," Fauci said during the live chat with Zuckerberg.

During the live stream on Facebook, &nbsp;Zuckerberg said: “Now that we are here in July, I just think that it was avoidable and it is really disappointing that we still don’t have adequate testing, that the credibility of top scientists like yourself and the CDC are being undermined."

Fauci told Zukerberg that public health measures should be seen as a "vehicle or gateway to opening the country" and not as an "obstacle"

&nbsp;“You can’t jump over steps, which is very perilous when you think about rebound. The proof of the pudding is, look what has happened. There really is no reason that we are having 40, 50, 60 thousand, other than we are not doing something correctly,” Fauci added.

The United States has the most number of coronavirus cases in the world with over 3.5 million cases and over 137,000 deaths. The outbreak has taken a more serious turn in the past month in Texas, California and Florida which have reported large number of cases overwhelming health workers.

Florida has emerged as the new epicentre of the virus reporting more coronavirus cases daily than any other state in the country. California and Texas are next nearly 10,000 new COVID-19 cases each day.

As the United States struggles with coronavirus, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg today criticised the Trump administration asserting that "our government and this administration have been considerably less effective in handing the virus.

As the United States struggles with coronavirus, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg today criticised the Trump administration asserting that "our government and this administration have been considerably less effective in handing the virus." Also Read: US makes a grim record, registers over 77,000 coronavirus cases in a day Zuckerberg did a live Facebook interaction with top US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci on coronavirus and NIH's research into possible treatments and vaccine candidates. Fauci implored young people to continue social distancing and other measures. "Please assume the societal responsiblity of being part of the solution, not part of the problem," Fauci said during the live chat with Zuckerberg. During the live stream on Facebook, Zuckerberg said: “Now that we are here in July, I just think that it was avoidable and it is really disappointing that we still don’t have adequate testing, that the credibility of top scientists like yourself and the CDC are being undermined." Fauci told Zukerberg that public health measures should be seen as a "vehicle or gateway to opening the country" and not as an "obstacle" “You can’t jump over steps, which is very perilous when you think about rebound. The proof of the pudding is, look what has happened. There really is no reason that we are having 40, 50, 60 thousand, other than we are not doing something correctly,” Fauci added. The United States has the most number of coronavirus cases in the world with over 3.5 million cases and over 137,000 deaths. The outbreak has taken a more serious turn in the past month in Texas, California and Florida which have reported large number of cases overwhelming health workers. Florida has emerged as the new epicentre of the virus reporting more coronavirus cases daily than any other state in the country. California and Texas are next nearly 10,000 new COVID-19 cases each day.

Now, Facebook's Zuckerberg lashes out at Trump's coronavirus response during live stream chat with Fauci

Organizers of a&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;ad boycott vowed to press on with their campaign, saying the social network's top executives had failed to offer meaningful action on curbing hateful content.

At a virtual meeting that included&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, the #StopHateForProfit coalition leaders "didn't hear anything... to convince us that Zuckerberg and his colleagues are taking action," said Jessica Gonzalez of the activist group Free Press, a coalition member.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-google-twitter-block-hong-kong-govt-from-accessing-user-data-311243">Facebook, Google, Twitter block Hong Kong govt from accessing user data</a>

Rashad Robinson, president of the activist group Color of Change, told reporters on a conference call the meeting was "a disappointment."

Robinson said the executives "showed up to the meeting expecting an A for attendance," but that "we did not get answers to questions we put on the table."

The meeting was seen by&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;as an opportunity to hear from boycott organizers and "reaffirm" a commitment to combating hate on the platform, a spokesperson said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebooks-zuckerberg-to-meet-activists-wont-act-on-boycott-310747">Facebook's Zuckerberg to meet activists, won't act on boycott</a>

"They want&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;to be free of hate speech and so do we," the spokesperson said, noting steps the social network has taken to ban white supremacist groups and fight interference with voting or the census.

"We know we will be judged by our actions not by our words and are grateful to these groups and many others for their continued engagement."

The meeting took place during a boycott which has grown to nearly 1,000 advertisers pressing for more aggressive action from&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;on toxic and inflammatory content which promotes violence and hate -- spurred by the wave of protests calling for social justice and racial equity.

"This isn't over. We will continue to expand the boycott until&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;takes our demands seriously. We won't be distracted by&nbsp;Facebook's spin today or any day," Gonzalez said.

Anti-Defamation League CEO Johnathan Greenblatt said of the meeting: "We saw little and heard just about nothing."

Greenblatt said the organizers had 10 specific demands for&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;but "got no commitment or clear outcomes to any of them."

Some of the activists say&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;should do more to curb disinformation from political leaders including President Donald Trump, and limit his comments which critics say promote violence and divisiveness.

Among posts which particularly roiled activists was Trump's comment during widespread protests that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts," which critics said was an incitement to violence.

Facebook&nbsp;has steadfastly refused to fact-check political speech and has a largely hands-off policy on comments from world leaders.

But it has said it will take down comments that could lead to imminent harm, and recently updated a policy to label a post which violates its rules, even if it is allowed to remain online for being "newsworthy."

Earlier Tuesday,&nbsp;Facebook's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg pledged further steps to remove toxic and hateful content ahead of the discussions with the boycott organizers, led by the NAACP, Color of Change and the Anti-Defamation League.

Organizers of a Facebook ad boycott vowed to press on with their campaign, saying the social network's top executives had failed to offer meaningful action on curbing hateful content.

Organizers of a Facebook ad boycott vowed to press on with their campaign, saying the social network's top executives had failed to offer meaningful action on curbing hateful content. At a virtual meeting that included Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, the #StopHateForProfit coalition leaders "didn't hear anything... to convince us that Zuckerberg and his colleagues are taking action," said Jessica Gonzalez of the activist group Free Press, a coalition member. Also read: Facebook, Google, Twitter block Hong Kong govt from accessing user data Rashad Robinson, president of the activist group Color of Change, told reporters on a conference call the meeting was "a disappointment." Robinson said the executives "showed up to the meeting expecting an A for attendance," but that "we did not get answers to questions we put on the table." The meeting was seen by Facebook as an opportunity to hear from boycott organizers and "reaffirm" a commitment to combating hate on the platform, a spokesperson said. Also read: Facebook's Zuckerberg to meet activists, won't act on boycott "They want Facebook to be free of hate speech and so do we," the spokesperson said, noting steps the social network has taken to ban white supremacist groups and fight interference with voting or the census. "We know we will be judged by our actions not by our words and are grateful to these groups and many others for their continued engagement." The meeting took place during a boycott which has grown to nearly 1,000 advertisers pressing for more aggressive action from Facebook on toxic and inflammatory content which promotes violence and hate -- spurred by the wave of protests calling for social justice and racial equity. "This isn't over. We will continue to expand the boycott until Facebook takes our demands seriously. We won't be distracted by Facebook's spin today or any day," Gonzalez said. Anti-Defamation League CEO Johnathan Greenblatt said of the meeting: "We saw little and heard just about nothing." Greenblatt said the organizers had 10 specific demands for Facebook but "got no commitment or clear outcomes to any of them." Some of the activists say Facebook should do more to curb disinformation from political leaders including President Donald Trump, and limit his comments which critics say promote violence and divisiveness. Among posts which particularly roiled activists was Trump's comment during widespread protests that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts," which critics said was an incitement to violence. Facebook has steadfastly refused to fact-check political speech and has a largely hands-off policy on comments from world leaders. But it has said it will take down comments that could lead to imminent harm, and recently updated a policy to label a post which violates its rules, even if it is allowed to remain online for being "newsworthy." Earlier Tuesday, Facebook's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg pledged further steps to remove toxic and hateful content ahead of the discussions with the boycott organizers, led by the NAACP, Color of Change and the Anti-Defamation League.

Facebook boycott leaders 'disappointed' after meeting with CEO Zuckerberg

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has agreed to a new meeting with activists on the social media giant's content policies while vowing to resist pressure from an advertiser boycott, the company said Thursday.

The news comes amid increased pressure on the leading social network to clamp down on incendiary content which promotes racism and violence, which has gained momentum with more tan 650 advertisers joining a boycott.

Zuckerberg told an employee meeting this week the boycott is not likely to have a major impact and that most of the advertisers "will be back on the platform soon enough," according to an account first reported by The Information and confirmed by AFP.

The Facebook CEO repeated that he would not change policy based on "a threat" to revenue but based on "the right things" for the Facebook community.

"We're not gonna change our policies or approach on anything because of a threat to a small percent of our revenue, or any percent of our revenue," he said.

"We're gonna do what we think are the right things that we think are gonna serve the community best over time."

A Facebook spokesperson, asked about the pressure, said in an email:&nbsp;"We take these matters very seriously and respect the feedback from our partners... But as we've said, we make policy changes based on principles, not revenue pressures."&nbsp;

The spokesperson said Zuckerberg agreed to join a meeting with activist leaders including from the NAACP, Anti-Defamation League and Color of Change to discuss Facebook's moderation practices.

"They asked about having Mark at the&nbsp;meeting, and we've since confirmed that Mark is able to join," the statement said.

The Washington Post reported the meeting would take place Monday.

The groups are seeking a top level executive to evaluate "products and policies for discrimination, bias, and hate," according to a statement from the Stop Hate for Profit campaign, as well as independent audits of "identity-based hate and misinformation."

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has agreed to a new meeting with activists on the social media giant's content policies while vowing to resist pressure from an advertiser boycott, the company said Thursday.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has agreed to a new meeting with activists on the social media giant's content policies while vowing to resist pressure from an advertiser boycott, the company said Thursday. The news comes amid increased pressure on the leading social network to clamp down on incendiary content which promotes racism and violence, which has gained momentum with more tan 650 advertisers joining a boycott. Zuckerberg told an employee meeting this week the boycott is not likely to have a major impact and that most of the advertisers "will be back on the platform soon enough," according to an account first reported by The Information and confirmed by AFP. The Facebook CEO repeated that he would not change policy based on "a threat" to revenue but based on "the right things" for the Facebook community. "We're not gonna change our policies or approach on anything because of a threat to a small percent of our revenue, or any percent of our revenue," he said. "We're gonna do what we think are the right things that we think are gonna serve the community best over time." A Facebook spokesperson, asked about the pressure, said in an email: "We take these matters very seriously and respect the feedback from our partners... But as we've said, we make policy changes based on principles, not revenue pressures." The spokesperson said Zuckerberg agreed to join a meeting with activist leaders including from the NAACP, Anti-Defamation League and Color of Change to discuss Facebook's moderation practices. "They asked about having Mark at the meeting, and we've since confirmed that Mark is able to join," the statement said. The Washington Post reported the meeting would take place Monday. The groups are seeking a top level executive to evaluate "products and policies for discrimination, bias, and hate," according to a statement from the Stop Hate for Profit campaign, as well as independent audits of "identity-based hate and misinformation."

Facebook's Zuckerberg to meet activists, won't act on boycott

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not ready to back down and has hit back on the brands boycotting Facebook by dropping their advertisements.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-american-brands-join-boycott-facebook-ads-campaign-309428">Top American brands join boycott Facebook ads campaign!</a>

"My guess is that all these advertisers will be back on the platform soon enough" the Facebook chief executive has said.

The social media platform has been accused by advertisers of being reluctant and slow to remove some hateful content.

Zuckerberg sees this boycott as a PR stunt by big brands rather than serious step and is not planning any major response.

"We’re not gonna change our policies or approach on anything because of a threat to a small percent of our revenue, or to any percent of our revenue,” he said in an interview.

He said the boycott is a "reputational and partner issue" and the advertisers should be back "soon enough".

The statement was confirmed by a Facebook spokesperson who said "We take these matters very seriously and respect the feedback from our partners. We’re making real progress keeping hate speech off our platform, and we don’t benefit from this kind of content. But as we’ve said, we make policy changes based on principles, not revenue pressures."&nbsp;

On Wednesday, 500 brands including Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Ford and several others announced the boycott.

Since the current boycott is nothing like what Facebook has ever faced before, Zuckerberg has agreed to meet the advertisers next week.

After weeks of protest against racial injustice, several big brands came together for the very first time against hate speech on Facebook by targeting it's $70 billion in annual ad revenue.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not ready to back down and has hit back on the brands boycotting Facebook by dropping their advertisements. Also see: Top American brands join boycott Facebook ads campaign!

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not ready to back down and has hit back on the brands boycotting Facebook by dropping their advertisements. Also see: Top American brands join boycott Facebook ads campaign! "My guess is that all these advertisers will be back on the platform soon enough" the Facebook chief executive has said. The social media platform has been accused by advertisers of being reluctant and slow to remove some hateful content. Zuckerberg sees this boycott as a PR stunt by big brands rather than serious step and is not planning any major response. "We’re not gonna change our policies or approach on anything because of a threat to a small percent of our revenue, or to any percent of our revenue,” he said in an interview. He said the boycott is a "reputational and partner issue" and the advertisers should be back "soon enough". The statement was confirmed by a Facebook spokesperson who said "We take these matters very seriously and respect the feedback from our partners. We’re making real progress keeping hate speech off our platform, and we don’t benefit from this kind of content. But as we’ve said, we make policy changes based on principles, not revenue pressures." On Wednesday, 500 brands including Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Ford and several others announced the boycott. Since the current boycott is nothing like what Facebook has ever faced before, Zuckerberg has agreed to meet the advertisers next week. After weeks of protest against racial injustice, several big brands came together for the very first time against hate speech on Facebook by targeting it's $70 billion in annual ad revenue.

Advertisers' boycott of Facebook to end 'soon enough' says CEO Mark Zuckerberg

Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai will testify before the House committee in Congress over anti-trust issues in July.

The CEOs of the four biggest technological companies&nbsp;will be questioned regarding their increasing market power, revenue and prominence amid escalating scrutiny from lawmakers according to&nbsp;Shadawn Reddick-Smith, a spokesman for the House Judiciary Committee.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-anti-trust-regulators-fine-apple-123-billion-286882">French anti-trust regulators fine Apple $1.23 billion</a>

It has not yet been decide whether the executives will appear in person or virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Although most of them have already appeared before the Congress, but this is the first time that the CEOs will do so regarding antitrust concerns. The hearing will be the first time Jeff Bezos will apear before the Congress.

The questions about other issues the executives are also likely to face include&nbsp;Amazon's treatment of its warehouse workers or the spread of hate speech on Facebook and YouTube.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/growing-tide-of-coronavirus-cases-hit-amazon-warehouses-288731">Growing tide of coronavirus cases hit Amazon warehouses</a>

All four companies are being investigated by state or federal departments over an array of issues. While, the Justice Department Prosecutors are preparing a possible antitrust case against Google this year, after an inquiry homed in on its control of advertising technology and the search engine market.

Meanwhile, Amazon's business and Facebook's acquisition of smaller companies are being&nbsp;investigated&nbsp;by the Federal Trade Commission.

Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Facebook and Microsoft are the five biggest technology&nbsp;companies according to&nbsp;market value.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai will testify before the House committee in Congress over anti-trust issues in July. The CEOs of the four biggest technological companies will be questioned regarding their increasing market power, revenue and prominence amid escalating scrutiny from lawmakers according to Shadawn Reddick-Smith, a spokesman for the House Judiciary Committee.

Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai will testify before the House committee in Congress over anti-trust issues in July. The CEOs of the four biggest technological companies will be questioned regarding their increasing market power, revenue and prominence amid escalating scrutiny from lawmakers according to Shadawn Reddick-Smith, a spokesman for the House Judiciary Committee. Also read: French anti-trust regulators fine Apple $1.23 billion It has not yet been decide whether the executives will appear in person or virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although most of them have already appeared before the Congress, but this is the first time that the CEOs will do so regarding antitrust concerns. The hearing will be the first time Jeff Bezos will apear before the Congress. The questions about other issues the executives are also likely to face include Amazon's treatment of its warehouse workers or the spread of hate speech on Facebook and YouTube. Also read: Growing tide of coronavirus cases hit Amazon warehouses All four companies are being investigated by state or federal departments over an array of issues. While, the Justice Department Prosecutors are preparing a possible antitrust case against Google this year, after an inquiry homed in on its control of advertising technology and the search engine market. Meanwhile, Amazon's business and Facebook's acquisition of smaller companies are being investigated by the Federal Trade Commission. Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Facebook and Microsoft are the five biggest technology companies according to market value.

CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s chief executive, on Friday announced plans on a live stream to prohibit hate speech in ads and better protect groups such as immigrants from attacks.

FB accused of allowing hateful content on its platform

Facebook is now being accused of promoting hateful content taking money through misleading political advertisements and overall having a very week policy regarding combating hate. Watch report.

Facebook's CEO Zuckerberg accused of promoting hate

Facebook&nbsp;has removed a number of posts and ads run by Donald Trump’s re-election campaign that featured a symbol used by the Nazis for violating its “policy against organised hate”.

The takedown on Thursday came amid increasing&nbsp;pressure on Facebook&nbsp;from civil rights leaders, Democratic politicians, and the company’s own employees to take a stronger stance against the president’s ugly and at times violent and hateful rhetoric on the platform, though it is not the first time that Facebook has removed Trump campaign ads for violating policies.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-removes-hundreds-more-accounts-as-right-wing-violence-spreads-306406">Facebook removes hundreds more accounts as right-wing violence spreads</a>

"We removed these posts and ads for violating&nbsp;our policy&nbsp;against organized hate. Our policy prohibits using a banned hate group's symbol to identify political prisoners without the context that condemns or discusses the symbol," Andy Stone, a Facebook spokesperson said.

The company said the offending ad contained an inverted red triangle similar to that used by the Nazis to label opponents such as communists.

Trump's campaign team said they were aimed at the far-left activist group antifa, which it said uses the symbol.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-sharpens-transparency-rule-to-close-political-ad-loophole-306415">Facebook sharpens transparency rule to close political-ad loophole</a>

The now-removed ads featured an image of an inverted red triangle with a black border and the message: “Dangerous MOBS of far-left groups are running through our streets and causing absolute mayhem. They are DESTROYING our cities and rioting – it’s absolute madness … Please add your name IMMEDIATELY to stand with your President and his decision to declare ANTIFA a Terrorist Organization.”

<img alt="Facebook" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="626dde51-af6c-4575-8591-0baa80d11e77" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1251.jpg" />

The Trump campaign ran a number of ads on Facebook lambasting antifa.&nbsp;Those using the inverted red triangle, a symbol used by Nazis in the concentration camps, have been removed. Photograph: Facebook

The ads, which were posted on the site on pages belonging to President Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence, were online for about 24 hours and had received hundreds of thousands of views before they were taken down.

The inverted red triangle was used by the Nazis to identify political prisoners in concentration camps during the Holocaust.

Bend the Arc, a progressive Jewish activist organization, drew attention to the ads on Twitter on on Wednesday, writing: “The President of the United States is campaigning for re-election using a Nazi concentration camp symbol … Trump &amp; the RNC are using it to smear millions of protestors. Their masks are off.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The President of the United States is campaigning for reelection using a Nazi concentration camp symbol. 
 
Nazis used the red triangle to mark political prisoners and people who rescued Jews. 
 
Trump &amp; the RNC are using it to smear millions of protestors. 
 
Their masks are off. <a href="https://t.co/UzmzDaRBup">pic.twitter.com/UzmzDaRBup</a>
— Bend the Arc: Jewish Action (@jewishaction) <a href="https://twitter.com/jewishaction/status/1273482511918616578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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"The inverted red triangle is a symbol used by antifa, so it was included in an ad about antifa," Tim Murtaugh, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, said in a statement.

"We would note that Facebook still has an inverted red triangle emoji in use, which looks exactly the same," he added.

Trump has recently accused antifa of starting riots at street protests across the US over the death in police custody of African American George Floyd.

Facebook has removed a number of posts and ads run by Donald Trump’s re-election campaign that featured a symbol used by the Nazis for violating its “policy against organised hate”.

Facebook has removed a number of posts and ads run by Donald Trump’s re-election campaign that featured a symbol used by the Nazis for violating its “policy against organised hate”. The takedown on Thursday came amid increasing pressure on Facebook from civil rights leaders, Democratic politicians, and the company’s own employees to take a stronger stance against the president’s ugly and at times violent and hateful rhetoric on the platform, though it is not the first time that Facebook has removed Trump campaign ads for violating policies. Also read: Facebook removes hundreds more accounts as right-wing violence spreads "We removed these posts and ads for violating our policy against organized hate. Our policy prohibits using a banned hate group's symbol to identify political prisoners without the context that condemns or discusses the symbol," Andy Stone, a Facebook spokesperson said. The company said the offending ad contained an inverted red triangle similar to that used by the Nazis to label opponents such as communists. Trump's campaign team said they were aimed at the far-left activist group antifa, which it said uses the symbol. Also read: Facebook sharpens transparency rule to close political-ad loophole The now-removed ads featured an image of an inverted red triangle with a black border and the message: “Dangerous MOBS of far-left groups are running through our streets and causing absolute mayhem. They are DESTROYING our cities and rioting – it’s absolute madness … Please add your name IMMEDIATELY to stand with your President and his decision to declare ANTIFA a Terrorist Organization.” The Trump campaign ran a number of ads on Facebook lambasting antifa. Those using the inverted red triangle, a symbol used by Nazis in the concentration camps, have been removed. Photograph: Facebook The ads, which were posted on the site on pages belonging to President Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence, were online for about 24 hours and had received hundreds of thousands of views before they were taken down. The inverted red triangle was used by the Nazis to identify political prisoners in concentration camps during the Holocaust. Bend the Arc, a progressive Jewish activist organization, drew attention to the ads on Twitter on on Wednesday, writing: “The President of the United States is campaigning for re-election using a Nazi concentration camp symbol … Trump & the RNC are using it to smear millions of protestors. Their masks are off.” The President of the United States is campaigning for reelection using a Nazi concentration camp symbol. Nazis used the red triangle to mark political prisoners and people who rescued Jews. Trump & the RNC are using it to smear millions of protestors. Their masks are off. pic.twitter.com/UzmzDaRBup — Bend the Arc: Jewish Action (@jewishaction) June 18, 2020 × "The inverted red triangle is a symbol used by antifa, so it was included in an ad about antifa," Tim Murtaugh, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, said in a statement. "We would note that Facebook still has an inverted red triangle emoji in use, which looks exactly the same," he added. Trump has recently accused antifa of starting riots at street protests across the US over the death in police custody of African American George Floyd.

Facebook takes down Trump ads for violating its policy against 'organised hate'

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced that the company will review its policies after facing widespread backlash,&nbsp;&nbsp;including from its own employees, over the decision to leave up controversial posts from Donald Trump.

The social media giant will look at improving content policies while also building products to advance racial justice, the CEO said on Friday in response to the protests in the United States.

The announcement, which came in the form of a letter to employees, appeared aimed at quelling anger inside the company that was so severe it prompted some to quit.

The outrage was sparked when Zuckerberg said Facebook would not remove or flag Trump's recent posts that appeared to encourage violence against those protesting police racism.

<img alt="Facebook" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9c7513d-616b-44c0-a2e7-fbcdc656e79e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture_3.PNG" />

<aside data-component="rich-link" data-link-name="rich-link-2 | 1">
''I know many of you think we should have labeled the President’s posts in some way last week,''&nbsp;Zuckerberg&nbsp;said in a lengthy Facebook post<a data-link-name="in body link" href="https://www.facebook.com/zuck/posts/10111985969467901">,</a>&nbsp;referring to his decision not to remove inflammatory content by Trump containing the phrase ''when the looting starts, the shooting starts,'' which has racist origins&nbsp;and was&nbsp;censored by Twitter, a Facebook rival.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-employees-walk-out-after-accusing-zuckerberg-of-inadequate-policing-302499">Facebook employees walk out after accusing Zuckerberg of 'inadequate policing'</a>
</aside>

''We’re going to review potential options for handling violating or partially-violating content aside from the binary leave-it-up or take-it-down decisions,''&nbsp;Zuckerberg’s statement continued.

''Our current policy is that if content is actually inciting violence, then the right mitigation is to take that content down – not let people continue seeing it behind a flag. There is no exception to this policy for politicians or newsworthiness. I think this policy is principled and reasonable, but I also respect a lot of the people who think there may be better alternatives, so I want to make sure we hear all those ideas. I started meeting with the team yesterday and we’re continuing the discussion soon.''

Zuckerberg has faced significant backlash over the choice not to remove Trump’s post this week amid nationwide protests over police brutality.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced that the company will review its policies after facing widespread backlash, including from its own employees, over the decision to leave up controversial posts from Donald Trump.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced that the company will review its policies after facing widespread backlash, including from its own employees, over the decision to leave up controversial posts from Donald Trump. The social media giant will look at improving content policies while also building products to advance racial justice, the CEO said on Friday in response to the protests in the United States. The announcement, which came in the form of a letter to employees, appeared aimed at quelling anger inside the company that was so severe it prompted some to quit. The outrage was sparked when Zuckerberg said Facebook would not remove or flag Trump's recent posts that appeared to encourage violence against those protesting police racism. ''I know many of you think we should have labeled the President’s posts in some way last week,'' Zuckerberg said in a lengthy Facebook post, referring to his decision not to remove inflammatory content by Trump containing the phrase ''when the looting starts, the shooting starts,'' which has racist origins and was censored by Twitter, a Facebook rival. Also read: Facebook employees walk out after accusing Zuckerberg of 'inadequate policing' ''We’re going to review potential options for handling violating or partially-violating content aside from the binary leave-it-up or take-it-down decisions,'' Zuckerberg’s statement continued. ''Our current policy is that if content is actually inciting violence, then the right mitigation is to take that content down – not let people continue seeing it behind a flag. There is no exception to this policy for politicians or newsworthiness. I think this policy is principled and reasonable, but I also respect a lot of the people who think there may be better alternatives, so I want to make sure we hear all those ideas. I started meeting with the team yesterday and we’re continuing the discussion soon.'' Zuckerberg has faced significant backlash over the choice not to remove Trump’s post this week amid nationwide protests over police brutality.

Facebook will review policies, says Zuckerberg after backlash over Trump posts

China said Facebook was unfairly targeting its biggest media companies on Friday after the network began attaching disclaimers to pages run by the country's state-controlled news outlets.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang accused Facebook of selective enforcement and said he hoped the company would "abandon its ideological prejudice".

He told reporters during a daily briefing that any media agency operating in line with relevant laws of various countries should be treated equally.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-to-place-state-media-labels-on-russian-chinese-outlets-303466">Facebook to place state media labels on Russian, Chinese outlets</a>

Pages managed by news agency Xinhua and the fiery nationalist tabloid Global Times are now labelled "China state-controlled media", after a policy change by the world's largest social platform.&nbsp;

Facebook's definition of state-controlled media includes influence over editorial content as well as financial backing of outlets, said the platform's cybersecurity chief Nathaniel Gleicher.

"People should know if the news they read is coming from a publication that may be under the influence of a government," he wrote in a Thursday blog post announcing the new policy.

Relations between China and the United States have worsened on multiple fronts in recent months, with the two governments expelling journalists in tit-for-tat moves and trading barbs over the coronavirus outbreak and human rights

Facebook said it will add similar labels to pages and advertisements run by media outlets subject to editorial influence and financial backing by governments, including Russian state broadcaster RT.&nbsp;

The move comes with Facebook under scrutiny for failing for stem foreign interference in the 2016 US election, and after heated debate over how the network handles misinformation and inflammatory posts -- including from US President Donald Trump.

China said Facebook was unfairly targeting its biggest media companies on Friday after the network began attaching disclaimers to pages run by the country's state-controlled news outlets.

China said Facebook was unfairly targeting its biggest media companies on Friday after the network began attaching disclaimers to pages run by the country's state-controlled news outlets. Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang accused Facebook of selective enforcement and said he hoped the company would "abandon its ideological prejudice". He told reporters during a daily briefing that any media agency operating in line with relevant laws of various countries should be treated equally. Also read: Facebook to place state media labels on Russian, Chinese outlets Pages managed by news agency Xinhua and the fiery nationalist tabloid Global Times are now labelled "China state-controlled media", after a policy change by the world's largest social platform. Facebook's definition of state-controlled media includes influence over editorial content as well as financial backing of outlets, said the platform's cybersecurity chief Nathaniel Gleicher. "People should know if the news they read is coming from a publication that may be under the influence of a government," he wrote in a Thursday blog post announcing the new policy. Relations between China and the United States have worsened on multiple fronts in recent months, with the two governments expelling journalists in tit-for-tat moves and trading barbs over the coronavirus outbreak and human rights Facebook said it will add similar labels to pages and advertisements run by media outlets subject to editorial influence and financial backing by governments, including Russian state broadcaster RT. The move comes with Facebook under scrutiny for failing for stem foreign interference in the 2016 US election, and after heated debate over how the network handles misinformation and inflammatory posts -- including from US President Donald Trump.

China slams Facebook for 'unfairly targeting' its biggest media companies

Nations across the globe have witnessed the severe impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their economy, but American billionaires see a jump on their wealth.&nbsp;

The combined wealth of US billionaires that include Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk surged by more than $565 billion or 19% since the beginning of the outbreak in the country, as per a report published by the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/divorce-that-creates-a-billionaire-chinese-couple-parting-ways-with-a-settlement-of-32-billion-302587">Divorce that creates a billionaire: Chinese couple parting ways with a settlement of $3.2 billion</a>

"These statistics remind us that we are more economically and racially divided than at any time in decades," Chuck Collins said, a co-author of the report.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2153-billionaires-have-more-money-than-46-billion-people-combined-oxfam-275420">2,153 billionaires have more money than 4.6 billion people combined: Oxfam</a>

In the report, which includes the 11-week period, Amazon's founder Bezos's wealth rose by $36.2 billion, while Facebook CEO Zuckerberg saw it soar by nearly $30.1 billion. &nbsp;

Tesla Inc CEO Musk's net worth also soared by $14.1 billion.

Last week, the wealth of US billionaires jumped by $79 billion, according to the report. 
&nbsp;

Nations across the globe have witnessed the severe impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their economy, but American billionaires see a jump on their wealth. The combined wealth of US billionaires that include Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk surged by more than $565 billion or 19% since the beginning of the outbreak in the country, as per a report published by the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS).

Nations across the globe have witnessed the severe impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their economy, but American billionaires see a jump on their wealth. The combined wealth of US billionaires that include Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk surged by more than $565 billion or 19% since the beginning of the outbreak in the country, as per a report published by the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS). Also read | Divorce that creates a billionaire: Chinese couple parting ways with a settlement of $3.2 billion "These statistics remind us that we are more economically and racially divided than at any time in decades," Chuck Collins said, a co-author of the report. Also read | 2,153 billionaires have more money than 4.6 billion people combined: Oxfam In the report, which includes the 11-week period, Amazon's founder Bezos's wealth rose by $36.2 billion, while Facebook CEO Zuckerberg saw it soar by nearly $30.1 billion. Tesla Inc CEO Musk's net worth also soared by $14.1 billion. Last week, the wealth of US billionaires jumped by $79 billion, according to the report.

US billionaires get richer during coronavirus pandemic, combined wealth soar by half a trillion

Racism is an American reality and the ongoing riots are holding up a mirror to those in denial, from the streets of America to social media, thousands are joining hands to say enough is enough!

Racism is an American reality and the ongoing riots are holding up a mirror to those in denial, from the streets of America to social media, thousands are joining hands to say enough is enough! Hundreds of Facebook employees staged a virtual walkout on Monday. They logged in to their systems only to leave a message that they would be out of the office in a show of protest. The employees were unhappy with the action, or rather inaction of the leadership after CEO Mark Zuckerberg refused to take down Donald Trump's posts. Last week, the US president wrote: "When the looting starts, the shooting starts". The message was shared on Facebook and Twitter. While the latter slapped a warning on the post, Facebook left it intact. In a post, Zuckerberg said he is "struggling with how to respond". He said: "I know many people are upset that we have left the president's post up, but our position is that we should enable as much expression as possible." Facebook employees were quick to voice their disagreement. Ryan Freitas, who leads Facebook's news feed design team, tweeted: "Mark is wrong, and I will endeavour in the loudest possible way to change his mind." Mark is wrong, and I will endeavor in the loudest possible way to change his mind. — Ryan Freitas (@ryanchris) June 1, 2020 × Similar tweets were put out by other employees. Jason Toff who joined Facebook last year as a director of Product Management pointed to a broader surge in employee activism. "We are making our voices heard", he said. The head of design for Facebook's portal video-phone said he disagrees with the position of his leadership. There was also an intense debate on Facebook's chat system known as Workplace. Some employees argued that Trump's post violated the spirit of Facebook while the others said that Facebook is making concessions for the president. All of this nudged CEO Mark Zuckerberg to act. Zuckerberg committed $10 million donation to groups working on racial justice. That said, Trump's Facebook post has still not been taken down. Meanwhile, Google and YouTube homepages in the United States are sporting a black ribbon. CEO Sundar Pichai said it was in solidarity with the black community. He tweeted: "For all those feeling grief, anger, sadness and fear, you are not alone." Today on US Google & YouTube homepages we share our support for racial equality in solidarity with the Black community and in memory of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery & others who don’t have a voice. For those feeling grief, anger, sadness & fear, you are not alone. pic.twitter.com/JbPCG3wfQW — Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) May 31, 2020 × Microsoft put out a statement on May 31. The company said that CEO Satya Nadella addressed the issue of racism in a monthly employee townhall. At this time, we will be using our platform to amplify voices from the Black and African American community at Microsoft. pic.twitter.com/r7ltlxVnHB — Microsoft (@Microsoft) June 1, 2020 × Nadella himself has been retweeting voices from African American employees at Microsoft. There is no place for hate and racism in our society. Empathy and shared understanding are a start, but we must do more. I stand with the Black and African American community and we are committed to building on this work in our company and in our communities. https://t.co/WaEuhRqBho — Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) June 1, 2020 × In one of the tweets, he said: "There is no place for hate and racism in our society. Empathy and shared understanding are a start, but we must do more."

Tech biggies condemn racism but Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg retains Trump's controversial post

Over 30 former employees from Facebook's early days have blasted CEO Mark Zuckerberg's decision to not act against inflammatory posts by US President Donald Trump as "cowardly" and a "betrayal" of company ideals.

The open letter, initially reported by the New York Times, deepened a crisis facing Facebook's leadership team, who had to defend their decision at a tense all-hands meeting the day prior following an employee walkout over the issue.

It all started after rival social network Twitter began putting warning labels on several Trump tweets that the platform said contained misleading information and glorified violence. Questions were then raised on similar posts on Facebook and apparent inaction by Zuckerberg.&nbsp;

Snapchat also has taken a hard line, booting Trump's account on Wednesday from a curated "discover" section of its app which promotes fresh content. It said it would not amplify voices inciting "racist violence."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/snapchat-stops-promoting-trumps-posts-for-inciting-racial-violence-303061">Also read |&nbsp;Snapchat stops promoting Trump's posts for inciting 'racial violence'</a>

Facebook left the same posts untouched.

The former employees, including a staffer who opened Facebook's office in Washington, implored Zuckerberg to implement checks on speech by political leaders as it does for other users, including fact-checks and labels on harmful posts.

"The company we joined valued giving individuals a voice as loud as their government's — protecting the powerless rather than the powerful," they wrote.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-facebook-is-facing-a-mutiny-303074">Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Facebook is facing a mutiny</a>

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Facebook's current approach, they said, "is not a noble stand for freedom. It is incoherent, and worse, it is cowardly."

The group warned that Trump's post on Friday, which used the racially charged phrase "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" in reference to protests over the police killing of a black man in Minnesota, could incite violence.

"In an age of live-streamed shootings, Facebook should know the danger of this better than most," they said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-defends-decision-to-label-trumps-tweets-says-it-is-to-provide-context-not-fact-checking-303057">Also read |&nbsp;Twitter defends decision to label Trump's tweets, says it is to provide 'context, not fact-checking'</a>

Over 30 former employees from Facebook's early days have blasted CEO Mark Zuckerberg's decision to not act against inflammatory posts by US President Donald Trump as "cowardly" and a "betrayal" of company ideals.

Over 30 former employees from Facebook's early days have blasted CEO Mark Zuckerberg's decision to not act against inflammatory posts by US President Donald Trump as "cowardly" and a "betrayal" of company ideals. The open letter, initially reported by the New York Times, deepened a crisis facing Facebook's leadership team, who had to defend their decision at a tense all-hands meeting the day prior following an employee walkout over the issue. It all started after rival social network Twitter began putting warning labels on several Trump tweets that the platform said contained misleading information and glorified violence. Questions were then raised on similar posts on Facebook and apparent inaction by Zuckerberg. Snapchat also has taken a hard line, booting Trump's account on Wednesday from a curated "discover" section of its app which promotes fresh content. It said it would not amplify voices inciting "racist violence." Also read | Snapchat stops promoting Trump's posts for inciting 'racial violence' Facebook left the same posts untouched. The former employees, including a staffer who opened Facebook's office in Washington, implored Zuckerberg to implement checks on speech by political leaders as it does for other users, including fact-checks and labels on harmful posts. "The company we joined valued giving individuals a voice as loud as their government's — protecting the powerless rather than the powerful," they wrote. Watch | Gravitas: Facebook is facing a mutiny × Facebook's current approach, they said, "is not a noble stand for freedom. It is incoherent, and worse, it is cowardly." The group warned that Trump's post on Friday, which used the racially charged phrase "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" in reference to protests over the police killing of a black man in Minnesota, could incite violence. "In an age of live-streamed shootings, Facebook should know the danger of this better than most," they said. Also read | Twitter defends decision to label Trump's tweets, says it is to provide 'context, not fact-checking'

Facebook employees from early days denounce Zuckerberg stance on Trump posts

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg&nbsp;has announced that his company will contribute $10 million to "groups working on racial justice," and telling followers that he's working with advisers and employees to find organizations that "could most effectively use this right now.''

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The commitment from Facebook follows more than a&nbsp;week of protests around the country challenging police brutality, spurred by the dissemination of a video on Facebook showing the death of George Floyd, an African American man who was killed by police officers in Minneapolis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-employees-walk-out-after-accusing-zuckerberg-of-inadequate-policing-302499">Facebook employees walk out after accusing Zuckerberg of 'inadequate policing'</a>

Zuckerberg’s pledge comes after&nbsp;several prominent Facebook employees expressed their frustration&nbsp;with their company’s response on Twitter and only a few hours before a number of the company’s workers staged a virtual walkout.

Jason Toff, a director of product management at Facebook, wrote on Twitter:

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I work at Facebook and I am not proud of how we’re showing up. The majority of coworkers I’ve spoken to feel the same way. We are making our voice heard.
— Jason Toff (@jasontoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/jasontoff/status/1267318891203530752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The move of the employees,&nbsp;critical of Zuckerberg's decision to leave Trump's most inflammatory verbiage unchallenged where Twitter had labeled it, is&nbsp;reminiscent of a 2018 walkout at Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;Google over sexual harassment.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced that his company will contribute $10 million to "groups working on racial justice," and telling followers that he's working with advisers and employees to find organizations that "could most effectively use this right now.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced that his company will contribute $10 million to "groups working on racial justice," and telling followers that he's working with advisers and employees to find organizations that "could most effectively use this right now.'' The commitment from Facebook follows more than a week of protests around the country challenging police brutality, spurred by the dissemination of a video on Facebook showing the death of George Floyd, an African American man who was killed by police officers in Minneapolis. Also read: Facebook employees walk out after accusing Zuckerberg of 'inadequate policing' Zuckerberg’s pledge comes after several prominent Facebook employees expressed their frustration with their company’s response on Twitter and only a few hours before a number of the company’s workers staged a virtual walkout. Jason Toff, a director of product management at Facebook, wrote on Twitter: I work at Facebook and I am not proud of how we’re showing up. The majority of coworkers I’ve spoken to feel the same way. We are making our voice heard. — Jason Toff (@jasontoff) June 1, 2020 × The move of the employees, critical of Zuckerberg's decision to leave Trump's most inflammatory verbiage unchallenged where Twitter had labeled it, is reminiscent of a 2018 walkout at Alphabet Inc's Google over sexual harassment.

Amid criticism, Facebook pledges $10 million to 'groups working on racial justice'

A lawsuit has been filed by a non-profit group against US President Donald Trump's executive order targetting social media firms Facebook and Twitter claiming&nbsp;the edict violates free-speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment. 
 
The suit, filed in US&nbsp;District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that the executive order violates the First Amendment by curtailing and chilling the constitutionally protected speech of online platforms and individuals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-doubles-down-dares-twitter-to-block-another-trumps-tweet-301891">White House doubles down &amp; dares Twitter to block another Trump's tweet</a>

The Justice Department declined to comment, according to spokeswoman Brianna Herlihy.

Trump, irate over&nbsp;Twitter’s move to append fact-checking labels to his inaccurate tweets&nbsp;about mail-in voting, issued an executive order May 28 that seeks to&nbsp;rescind legal immunity social networks have under current US&nbsp;law if they ''censor''&nbsp;speech.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-shut-social-media-companies-after-twitter-adds-warning-to-his-tweets-301375">Trump threatens to shut social media companies after Twitter adds warning to his tweets</a>

&nbsp;

The law, as it currently stands, lets internet companies like&nbsp;Facebook, YouTube and&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;moderate content on their services as they see fit, while protecting them from lawsuits over content shared on them.

He had asked federal regulators to look at provisions, contained in Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, that insulate the companies from liability for content posted by users.

A lawsuit has been filed by a non-profit group against US President Donald Trump's executive order targetting social media firms Facebook and Twitter claiming the edict violates free-speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment.

A lawsuit has been filed by a non-profit group against US President Donald Trump's executive order targetting social media firms Facebook and Twitter claiming the edict violates free-speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment. The suit, filed in US District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that the executive order violates the First Amendment by curtailing and chilling the constitutionally protected speech of online platforms and individuals. Also read: White House doubles down & dares Twitter to block another Trump's tweet The Justice Department declined to comment, according to spokeswoman Brianna Herlihy. Trump, irate over Twitter’s move to append fact-checking labels to his inaccurate tweets about mail-in voting, issued an executive order May 28 that seeks to rescind legal immunity social networks have under current US law if they ''censor'' speech. Also read: Trump threatens to shut social media companies after Twitter adds warning to his tweets The law, as it currently stands, lets internet companies like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter moderate content on their services as they see fit, while protecting them from lawsuits over content shared on them. He had asked federal regulators to look at provisions, contained in Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, that insulate the companies from liability for content posted by users.

Lawsuit filed against Trump's executive order targeting social media firms

Facebook employees walked away from their work-from-home desks on Monday and took to Twitter to accuse Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg of inadequately policing US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's posts as strictly as the rival platform has done.

The move of the employees,&nbsp;critical of Zuckerberg's decision to leave Trump's most inflammatory verbiage unchallenged where Twitter had labeled it, is&nbsp;reminiscent of a 2018 walkout at Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;Google over sexual harassment.

As protests and rioting over the death in police custody of Floyd&nbsp;spread through several American cities this weekend, Zuckerberg was forced to defend Facebook’s position as, in his words, ''an institution committed to free expression.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-will-not-be-arbiters-of-truth-says-zuckerberg-after-trump-threat-301827">Facebook will not be 'arbiters of truth', says Zuckerberg after Trump threat</a>

Ryan Freitas, who leads Facebook’s News Feed design team, tweeted:&nbsp;

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Mark is wrong, and I will endeavor in the loudest possible way to change his mind.
— Ryan Freitas (@ryanchris) <a href="https://twitter.com/ryanchris/status/1267252760182788096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Jason Toff, who joined Facebook as a director of product management a year ago, pointed to a broader upsurge of employee activism inside the company.

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I work at Facebook and I am not proud of how we’re showing up. The majority of coworkers I’ve spoken to feel the same way. We are making our voice heard.
— Jason Toff (@jasontoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/jasontoff/status/1267318891203530752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Andrew Crow, head of design for Facebook’s Portal video-conferencing device, tweeted:

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Censoring information that might help people see the complete picture *is* wrong. But giving a platform to incite violence and spread disinformation is unacceptable, regardless who you are or if it’s newsworthy. I disagree with Mark’s position and will work to make change happen.
— Andrew (@AndrewCrow) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewCrow/status/1267313197377187842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Jason Stirman, a member of the company’s R&amp;D team and the former chief executive of the “mental training” app Lucid, also posted on Twitter, saying:

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I don't know what to do, but I know doing nothing is not acceptable. I'm a FB employee that completely disagrees with Mark's decision to do nothing about Trump's recent posts, which clearly incite violence. I'm not alone inside of FB. There isn't a neutral position on racism.
— Stirman (@stirman) <a href="https://twitter.com/stirman/status/1266876587472896000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Some appealed to the company’s oversight board, a quasi-independent body that Facebook has funded to act as a ''supreme court''&nbsp;capable of ruling on difficult questions around content moderation.

But on Saturday, the board said it would not be able to intervene in time, but was ''working hard to set the board up to begin operating later this year.'

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There are many significant issues relating to online content that we recognize people want the Board to consider. We're working hard to set the Board up to begin operating later this year so it can start considering cases referred by users and Facebook.
— Oversight Board (@OversightBoard) <a href="https://twitter.com/OversightBoard/status/1266736657509875718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It was a rare case of staff publicly taking their CEO to task, with one employee tweeting that thousands participated. Among them were all seven engineers on the team maintaining the React code library which supports Facebook's apps.

Facebook Inc will allow employees participating in the protest to take the time off without drawing down their vacation days, spokesman Andy Stone said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fact-checking-doesnt-make-twitter-arbiter-of-truth-jack-dorseys-retort-to-donald-trump-301527">Fact-checking doesn't make Twitter 'arbiter of truth': Jack Dorsey's retort to Donald Trump</a>

Separately, online therapy company Talkspace said it ended partnership discussions with Facebook. Talkspace CEO Oren Frank tweeted he would "not support a platform that incites violence, racism, and lies.''

Executives and companies across the tech industry, including Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Netflix, as well as Salesforce, Slack, Uber and Twitter, expressed their support for anti-racism and criminal justice campaigns, through messages to employees, on their homepages or through official social media accounts.

Tech workers at companies including Facebook, Google, and Amazon.com Inc&nbsp;have pursued social justice issues in recent years, urging the companies to change policies.

Facebook employees walked away from their work-from-home desks on Monday and took to Twitter to accuse Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg of inadequately policing US President Donald Trump's posts as strictly as the rival platform has done.

Facebook employees walked away from their work-from-home desks on Monday and took to Twitter to accuse Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg of inadequately policing US President Donald Trump's posts as strictly as the rival platform has done. The move of the employees, critical of Zuckerberg's decision to leave Trump's most inflammatory verbiage unchallenged where Twitter had labeled it, is reminiscent of a 2018 walkout at Alphabet Inc's Google over sexual harassment. As protests and rioting over the death in police custody of Floyd spread through several American cities this weekend, Zuckerberg was forced to defend Facebook’s position as, in his words, ''an institution committed to free expression.'' Also read: Facebook will not be 'arbiters of truth', says Zuckerberg after Trump threat Ryan Freitas, who leads Facebook’s News Feed design team, tweeted: Mark is wrong, and I will endeavor in the loudest possible way to change his mind. — Ryan Freitas (@ryanchris) June 1, 2020 × Jason Toff, who joined Facebook as a director of product management a year ago, pointed to a broader upsurge of employee activism inside the company. I work at Facebook and I am not proud of how we’re showing up. The majority of coworkers I’ve spoken to feel the same way. We are making our voice heard. — Jason Toff (@jasontoff) June 1, 2020 × Andrew Crow, head of design for Facebook’s Portal video-conferencing device, tweeted: Censoring information that might help people see the complete picture *is* wrong. But giving a platform to incite violence and spread disinformation is unacceptable, regardless who you are or if it’s newsworthy. I disagree with Mark’s position and will work to make change happen. — Andrew (@AndrewCrow) June 1, 2020 × Jason Stirman, a member of the company’s R&D team and the former chief executive of the “mental training” app Lucid, also posted on Twitter, saying: I don't know what to do, but I know doing nothing is not acceptable. I'm a FB employee that completely disagrees with Mark's decision to do nothing about Trump's recent posts, which clearly incite violence. I'm not alone inside of FB. There isn't a neutral position on racism. — Stirman (@stirman) May 30, 2020 × Some appealed to the company’s oversight board, a quasi-independent body that Facebook has funded to act as a ''supreme court'' capable of ruling on difficult questions around content moderation. But on Saturday, the board said it would not be able to intervene in time, but was ''working hard to set the board up to begin operating later this year.' There are many significant issues relating to online content that we recognize people want the Board to consider. We're working hard to set the Board up to begin operating later this year so it can start considering cases referred by users and Facebook. — Oversight Board (@OversightBoard) May 30, 2020 × It was a rare case of staff publicly taking their CEO to task, with one employee tweeting that thousands participated. Among them were all seven engineers on the team maintaining the React code library which supports Facebook's apps. Facebook Inc will allow employees participating in the protest to take the time off without drawing down their vacation days, spokesman Andy Stone said. Also read: Fact-checking doesn't make Twitter 'arbiter of truth': Jack Dorsey's retort to Donald Trump Separately, online therapy company Talkspace said it ended partnership discussions with Facebook. Talkspace CEO Oren Frank tweeted he would "not support a platform that incites violence, racism, and lies.'' Executives and companies across the tech industry, including Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Netflix, as well as Salesforce, Slack, Uber and Twitter, expressed their support for anti-racism and criminal justice campaigns, through messages to employees, on their homepages or through official social media accounts. Tech workers at companies including Facebook, Google, and Amazon.com Inc have pursued social justice issues in recent years, urging the companies to change policies.

Facebook employees walk out after accusing Zuckerberg of 'inadequate policing'

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said that his company ''will not be the arbiter of truth'' after US President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;escalated&nbsp;a war&nbsp;with rival social media platform&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;over that company’s efforts to begin&nbsp;factchecking&nbsp;some of Trump’s posts.

In an interview, Zuckerberg said ''I just believe strongly that&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;shouldn’t be the arbiter of truth of everything that people say online. Private companies probably should not be, especially these platform companies, should not&nbsp;be in the position of doing that.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-facing-donald-trumps-wrath-twitter-now-fact-checks-chinese-spokespersons-post-301723" hreflang="en">After facing Donald Trump's wrath, Twitter now fact-checks Chinese spokesperson's post</a>

Meanwhile, Trump after sharply criticising Twitter for fact-checking his tweet&nbsp;signed an executive order that intended to limit the freedom of tech organisations over the content posted on their mediums.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Twitter for the first time fact-checked Trump's post which claimed mail-in ballots are " subsequently fraudulent". Twitter had called the claims as "unsubstantiated" and put a warning label in the post.&nbsp;

Two years after admitting under political pressure that&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;must do more to prevent disinformation campaigns on its platform, founder&nbsp;Mark Zuckerberg&nbsp;said that the company should step away from regulating online speech.

In March 2018, a whistleblower&nbsp;revealed&nbsp;that Cambridge Analytica, a data analytics firm that worked with Trump’s election team and the winning Brexit campaign, harvested millions of&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;profiles of US voters for use in targeting political ads.

The company later acknowledged that&nbsp;hackers had&nbsp;scraped&nbsp;information from profiles of more than 2 billion users worldwide.

Those developments saw a contrite Zuckerberg&nbsp;summoned&nbsp;before Congress in the spring of 2018, where he apologized for allowing imposter accounts with foreign backers to target American voters with advertising meant to polarize political opinion.

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Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said that his company ''will not be the arbiter of truth'' after US President Donald Trump escalated a war with rival social media platform Twitter over that company’s efforts to begin factchecking some of Trump’s posts.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said that his company ''will not be the arbiter of truth'' after US President Donald Trump escalated a war with rival social media platform Twitter over that company’s efforts to begin factchecking some of Trump’s posts. In an interview, Zuckerberg said ''I just believe strongly that Facebook shouldn’t be the arbiter of truth of everything that people say online. Private companies probably should not be, especially these platform companies, should not be in the position of doing that.'' Also read: After facing Donald Trump's wrath, Twitter now fact-checks Chinese spokesperson's post Meanwhile, Trump after sharply criticising Twitter for fact-checking his tweet signed an executive order that intended to limit the freedom of tech organisations over the content posted on their mediums. On Tuesday, Twitter for the first time fact-checked Trump's post which claimed mail-in ballots are " subsequently fraudulent". Twitter had called the claims as "unsubstantiated" and put a warning label in the post. Two years after admitting under political pressure that Facebook must do more to prevent disinformation campaigns on its platform, founder Mark Zuckerberg said that the company should step away from regulating online speech. In March 2018, a whistleblower revealed that Cambridge Analytica, a data analytics firm that worked with Trump’s election team and the winning Brexit campaign, harvested millions of Facebook profiles of US voters for use in targeting political ads. The company later acknowledged that hackers had scraped information from profiles of more than 2 billion users worldwide. Those developments saw a contrite Zuckerberg summoned before Congress in the spring of 2018, where he apologized for allowing imposter accounts with foreign backers to target American voters with advertising meant to polarize political opinion.

Facebook will not be 'arbiters of truth', says Zuckerberg after Trump threat

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