Facebook offers free ads to users who counter terror speech–report

Social networking giant Facebook has devised a new tool to counter hate speech and terrorist propaganda online, according to a report by technology news website The Verge.

Citing The Wall Street Journal, the report said a team led by Monika Bickert, head of Facebook’s global policy management, met in December to discuss new ways to counter extremism through competitions.

Facebook reportedly provided ad credits amounting up to $1,000 to those who post counter-terrorism messages.

“Together with the state department, [Facebook] launched competitions in 45 college classes around the world. Those who participated in the competition were provided a budget of $2,000 and $200 in ad credits,” the report said.

During the World Economic Forum in January, Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg endorsed the idea of countering terrorist propaganda with “messages of tolerance and hope.”

The report said Facebook also allowed former members of extremist groups to create fake accounts to engage with current members.

Last month, tech companies like Google, Apple, and Facebook met with top members of President Barack Obama’s administration to combat online terrorism. YG/RC