Facebook must narrow its blanket definition of terrorism: UN

Currently, Facebook treats all non-state groups that use violence to achieve goals as terrorist units, wrote Ní Aoláin

In order not to jeopardize oppositionists and dissidents, the world's largest Internet network must narrow its "blanket" definition of terrorism, said the Irish human rights expert Fionnuala Ní Aoláin on Monday.

Currently, Facebook treats all non-state groups that use violence to achieve goals as terrorist units. This broad conceptualization allows governments to stigmatize contradiction as terrorism, wrote Ní Aoláin without giving any examples.

The Special Representative for the Protection of Human Rights in the fight against terrorism emphasized the important role the US corporation plays in uncovering terrorist activities on the Net. However, there must be the opportunity to challenge decisions. An inaccurate definition of terrorism could lead to censorship, discrimination and arbitrary denial, said Ní Aoláin.

Under pressure from governments, companies such as Facebook, Google, and Twitter are taking more action against hate speech and the spread of terrorism.

(With inputs from Reuters)