Michael Hernandez
02 May 2019•Update: 03 May 2019
WASHINGTON
Facebook on Thursday permanently banned a slew of far-right figures, including Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan from using its platforms over hate speech violations, according to multiple reports.
Among those removed are Infowars conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, alt-right figure Milo Yiannopoulos and far-right activist Laura Loomer.
The removals affect not just Facebook, but its subsidiaries including the popular image-sharing application Instagram.
Facebook did not reply to an emailed request for comment, but media reports state while Jones and his conspiracy theory-heavy news outlet Infowars were previously banned from Facebook in August, they will no longer be allowed to have a presence on Instagram as well.
Facebook is also reportedly banning fan pages related to Infowars.
"We've always banned individuals or organizations that promote or engage in violence and hate, regardless of ideology," Facebook told CNN Business. "The process for evaluating potential violators is extensive and it is what led us to our decision to remove these accounts today."
All of those banned Thursday were determined to be "dangerous," Facebook told CNN.
The social media giant has been under pressure to clamp down on hate speech and white nationalism, particularly following attacks on two New Zealand mosques that left 50 victims dead. The attack was livestreamed on the platform.
Right-wing extremist Paul Nehlen was also banned, according to reports.
