Facebook is banning white nationalism and white separatism

Getty Images/Scott Eisen

Counter protesters hold up fists and signs during a march to the 'Free Speech Rally' on Boston Common on August 19, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts.

• Facebook, the world's largest social media network, banned white nationalism and white separatism on the platform on Tuesday.
• Facebook Counterterrorism Policy Director Brian Fishman told Motherboard that white nationalist and white separatist speech will now be treated the same was as white supremacist content.
• The social media network will target specific language related to the White nationalist movement and strong anti-immigration stances.

Facebook will now treat content posted by users about white nationalism and white separatist topics as hate speech, banning content and phrases associated to the movements, and targeting specific hate speech, according to a report by Motherboard on Wednesday.

Facebook already considers white supremacy to be hate speech, and the new policy recognizes the overlap between traditional white supremacy and movements like so-called white separatism and white nationalism.

Complimentary Tech Event

Transform talent with learning that works

Capability development is critical for businesses who want to push the envelope of innovation.Discover how business leaders are strategizing around building talent capabilities and empowering employee transformation.Know More

Facebook Counterterrorism Policy Director Brian Fishman told Motherboard that the company had discussed the matter with more than 20 civil rights organizations and race relations experts before coming to the decision.

Facebook moderators will target specific content and phrases supporting white separatism for deletion. Motherboard reports that Facebook will also recommend nonprofits that provide help to people in hate groups when hateful content is reported.

The reported ban arrives two weeks after a white supremacist killed more than 50 people in a mass shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand. The shooter streamed the attack on Facebook, and footage was repeatedly uploaded to the platform following the attack.

Facebook did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.