PK, OTI Decline Facebook Funding Over Decision Not to Remove Trump Posts
Public Knowledge and the Open Technology Institute won’t accept funding from Facebook, the groups said Tuesday evening, citing the platform’s decision not to remove controversial comments from President Donald Trump (see 2005290058). OTI cited refusal to remove a post “threatening…
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that ‘when the looting starts, the shooting starts’ in reference to nationwide demonstrations against police brutality, as well as other posts from the President that promoted disinformation about mail-in voting.” Director Sarah Morris said OTI hopes to maintain a constructive dialogue with the platform: “We must all acknowledge our own role in racist systems and make changes to ensure we are part of the solution, rather than the problem. With over 2.6 billion users, Facebook has a clear responsibility to reckon with its role in these systems or risk continuing to facilitate oppression that imperils Black lives.” PK CEO Chris Lewis said the company can do better to play a constructive role in allowing civil discourse online: “That does not include turning a blind eye to messages that intimidate or suppress voters, spread misinformation, or endanger individuals and democracy.” Facebook didn’t comment Wednesday.