Facebook censors Christian content and marks posts about Jesus as “fake news” – VP News – ‘forbidden to talk’

2023-05-31 01:15:15

FAcebook is one of the most used platforms in the world and, as such, plays a crucial role in how people communicate and share information. However, in recent years, concerns have arisen regarding the censorship of content on this platform, particularly with regards to Christian content (here for example the Washington Times report)

Facebook censors Christian content: an attack on freedom of expression?

In recent years, Christians have repeatedly reported that Facebook censors their content (even on the gender question or abortion and on issues whose evaluation of faith is in a certain sense ‘obliged’). This pertains as much to posting as organizing events, creating groups or even quoting Bible verses (https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/facebook-bible-verse-sensitive-content/). In some cases, Christians have even had their account blocked or removed without any justification (here for example a case where a quote from St. Augustine is censored: https://lanuovabq.it/it/chissa-perche-facebook-censura-santagostino).

While Facebook has regulations on posting content, censorship of Christian content appears to be disproportionate to other users posting offensive or inappropriate content. This raises concerns about freedom of expression and the ability of individuals to express their religious views and beliefs.

Facebook flags posts about Jesus as “fake news”: what are the consequences for Christians?

In addition, Facebook has also flagged some posts about Jesus as “fake news.” For example, some videos that try to prove the truth of Jesus’ resurrection have been flagged as “fake news.” This has created confusion among Christians since the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of their faith.

This has led to further suspicion among Christians of Facebook and its policies. Reporting legitimate posts as “fake news” can influence public perception of such content, creating confusion and suspicion towards Christians and their faith.

In conclusion, the censorship of Christian content and the reporting of legitimate posts as “fake news” about Jesus raise concerns about freedom of expression and respect for religious views. Many Christians see these policies as an attack on their faith and their ability to share the truth of their beliefs with others. This raises the question of how to promote freedom of expression and respect for religious views in an increasingly digital world.

In this regard, Sabino Paciolla’s blog points out an emblematic case (see Who):

Facebook has announced it will no longer allow Christian content to be posted on the platform and has begun adding a “fake news” warning label to posts about Jesus Christ.
According to Blaze reporter Billy Hallowell, when he went to test the new rules he was delivered a “hate speech” warning from Facebook.
Hallowell, a Christian, tried to exercise his religious freedom by posting the following message on his Facebook page: “Jesus died so that you might live.”
However, despite his post reflecting one of the fundamental tenets of Christianity, it was deleted from Facebook and was accused of spreading “hate speech”.

I’m sorry, what?

I’ve appealed. But what in the ever-loving world? pic.twitter.com/YeJCmPacCs

— Billy Hallowell ???? (@BillyHallowell) May 10, 2023

When Hallowell attempted to appeal to Facebook, it responded by confirming that Christianity and Jesus now go against community guidelines:

I appealed @facebook and this is their response.

Accused me of violating “hate speech” and removed the post. My message? “Jesus died so you could live.”

Very, very bizarre. pic.twitter.com/Kv9auIzEnx

— Billy Hallowell ???? (@BillyHallowell) May 10, 2023

end of quote

I myself have repeatedly had the opportunity to register this system on various platforms. Precisely today – even if it has nothing to do with prejudices against Christians – I have once again experienced what it means to fall under the ax of censorship. In this case I received the report from the ‘blogger’ platform which censors any reference to violence, even if it is news. Here is the text: “

Hello, as you may already know, our Community Guidelines
( describe the limits of what
we allow, and we don’t allow, on Blogger. We have received an inquiry
review for your post titled “Syria, Palmyra: the Islamic State
executes 12 people, four by beheading.” We have established that
violates our policies and we deleted the post, earlier
at the address
http://www.lplnews24.it/2017/01/siria-palmira-lo-stato-islamico.html.

Why was your blog post removed?
Your content violated our violence policies.
For more information, please visit the link in this email to ours
Community Guidelines page.”. (In this case it was an article of mine in the online journal LPLNews 24 where I was editor). It’s incredible… in short, “get in line” (In this case Blogger has eliminated news material that would have been useful to users for previous searches on the internet).
.