Facebook To Remove Posts That Include the Phrase 'Stop the Steal'

Facebook has long been criticized for allowing too much free speech on its platforms, even when such discussion has veered into the direct promotion of physical violence, advocated dangerous movements, facilitated the organization of militant groups, and more.

With continued attempts to organize events against the outcome of the US presidential election that can lead to violence, and use of the term by those involved in Wednesday’s violence in DC, FB is taking this additional step in the lead up to the inauguration.

Facebook is now removing content containing the phrase “stop the steal” under our Coordinating Harm policy from Facebook and Instagram. It removed the original Stop the Steal group in November and have continued to remove Pages, groups and events that violate any of our policies, including calls for violence.