Facebook Chairman and CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies at a House Financial Services Committee hearing in Washington, U.S., October 23, 2019.
Erin Scott | Reuters
Facebook and YouTube on Wednesday removed a video by President Donald Trump addressing Washington rioters.
“This is an emergency situation and we are taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trump’s video,” Facebook Vice President of Integrity Guy Rosen said in a tweet. “We removed it because on balance we believe it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence.”
Google-owned YouTube said it removed the video because it violated policies of alleging widespread fraud changed the outcome of the 2020 U.S. Election. It will, however, allow copies of this video “if uploaded with additional context and sufficient educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic value.”
Twitter also placed restrictions on a tweet containing Trump’s recorded statement.
“This claim of election fraud is disputed, and this Tweet can’t be replied to, Retweeted, or liked due to a risk of violence,” the company wrote under a tweet by Trump that directs users to a page that says “there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.”
In his recorded statement, Trump falsely claims that the election “was stolen” before asking rioters to go home. Despite the restrictions, Twitter users are still able to amplify Trump’s tweet by quote tweeting it.
Earlier, the company said it would “take action” on any content that calls for violence in regard to the riots happening in Washington.
“Let us be clear: Threats of and calls to violence have no place on Twitter, and we will enforce our policies accordingly,” a spokesperson for the company said in a statement.
Additionally, the company said it will significantly restrict engagement with tweets labeled with its Civic integrity policy, which does not allow Twitter users from using the service to manipulate or interfere with elections or other civic processes.
“We are also exploring other escalated enforcement actions and will keep the public updated with any significant developments,” the company tweeted.
Earlier, Facebook said that it was “actively reviewing and removing any content that breaks these rules.”
“The violent protests in the Capitol today are a disgrace,” Facebook spokesman Andy Stone said in a statement. “We prohibit incitement and calls for violence on our platform.”
The statements come as rioters in support of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing lawmakers to evacuate.
Calls are mounting for Twitter to shut down the president’s account or take other extreme action. Former Facebook Chief Security Officer Alex Stamos said it is time for Twitter and Facebook to cut off Trump.
“Twitter and Facebook have to cut him off,” Stamos said. “There are no legitimate equities left and labeling won’t do it.”
Chris Sacca, an early investor in the company, tweeted “You’ve got blood on your hands, @jack and Zuck,” referring to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
“For four years you’ve rationalized this terror. Inciting violent treason is not a free speech exercise. If you work at those companies, it’s on you too. Shut it down.”
The ADL issued a statement calling on social media companies to suspend Trump’s accounts “ASAP.”
–CNBC’s Jennifer Elias contributed to this report.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
