Researchers @counteringcrime have spent years investigating illicit content on social media platforms, everything from Mexican cartel activity and animal cruelty to the recent surge in online COVID scams. The vast majority of what we track occurs on Facebook platforms.

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Our more than 40 members meet virtually twice a month to compare research, and over time we started tracking patterns in how #Facebook responds when toxic content gets reported or publicized. Recently, we resolved to dig deeper.

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@eileenmcarey @AnthroPaulicy @tkmackey

Today, we're releasing the result of this research, an interactive timeline showcasing the history of #Facebook’s response to #toxic content on its platforms. You can access it here:

https://www.counteringcrime.org/timeline 

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Facebook has a playbook for responding to toxic and illicit content, and it hasn't changed since the firm began. I've written about patterns we discovered, like the 99% myth and the Facebook pivot.

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I urge lawmakers, regulators and #Facebook users concerned about the #Internet to read it. In light of recent moderation fails at #FB, understanding this history is vital.

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@savetherhino @Moonalice @EmmaLBriant @jason_kint @FightExtremism

Investors and advertisers, you need to read this too. Because YOU are complicit. @GroupMWorldwide @Disney @Walmart @Vanguard_Group @Fidelity @blackrock @TRowePrice

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