Facebook tests feature alerting users to extremist content, sparking fears of 'Orwellian' snooping

Facebook is testing a new feature that will alert users of exposure to extremist content, leaving them wondering whether the social media giant is spying on their communications. 

Users in the United States may also receive a notification asking them if they are worried someone they know might be becoming an extremist.

“Violent groups try to manipulate your anger and disappointment. You can take action now to protect yourself and others,” according to the notification, which also directs users to a support page where they can seek professional help.

People could opt to click on a link to "get support" or simply close the pop-up box. Screenshots of the notifications were posted on social media by users.

The trial messages are part of a test the social media company is running called Redirect Initiative, which aims to combat violent extremism and misinformation on its platform.

“This test is part of our larger work to assess ways to provide resources and support to people on Facebook who may have engaged with or were exposed to extremist content, or may know someone who is at risk,” Andy Stone, a Facebook spokesperson, told CNN.

Facebook did not say what promoted certain users to get the notifications. But people at the receiving end of the messages were at one point exposed to rule-breaking content or were flagged for violating the company’s regulations.

The company told Reuters that it pro-actively removes content and accounts which violate its rules before the material is seen by users, but that at times content may be viewed before it is taken down.

"We’re seeing an evolving variety of techniques by social media companies to address the seemingly growing problems of mis and disinformation on their platforms," said Jess McBeath, online safety consultant at the UK Safer Internet Centre.

'Orwellian nightmare'

The pilot initiative has already been met with skepticism from some users, who said they were worried that Facebook is snooping on their communications on the platform.

“Sure feels like we’re living in an Orwellian nightmare,” wrote one user who received the prompt.

Some conservatives also expressed concerns that the initiative could be used to stifle their voices on the platform.

Virginia state politician Nicholas Freitas, a Republican, was among those who shared an image of the Facebook alert on Twitter.

“I have a real concern that some leftist technocrats are creating an Orwellian environment where people are being arbitrarily silenced or banned for saying something the 'thought police' doesn't like,” Freitas wrote

Racially-motivated violence most dangerous threat to US: Report

A report says racially-motivated violent extremists pose the most dangerous threat to the United States.

Facebook in June banned former US president Donald Trump for two years for violating platform rules over a deadly attack by his supporters on the US Capitol.

Trump was suspended after posting a video of the attack by his supporters challenging his election loss, in which he told them, "We love you, you're very special."

An intelligence report by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in March warned that violent extremists pose the most dangerous threat to the United States.

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