Facebook has taken a major step in cracking down on the violence that threatens to derail Joe Biden’s Inauguration. Facebook announced it would continue to take a variety of measures to prevent users from using the social media platform to incite violence during the inauguration.

In a blog update that was shared on Friday, Facebook announced the limiting of some of their services to prevent further acts of violence in Washington, D.C. Accounts of users in the U.S. who have repeatedly violated the company’s policy in the past will be blocked from creating an event, Page, live video, or Group.

Facebook will also block any new events happening near the Capitol, White House, and any state capitol buildings through Inauguration Day. The company is also reviewing events related to the inauguration and will remove any that violate policies.

Facebook will also continue blocking the accounts and pages of users who are not based in the U.S. but have created events taking place in America.

In an earlier announcement, it was revealed the company would be removing content containing the phrase “stop the steal” from both Instagram and Facebook

The new restrictions come following the Capitol riot on Wednesday, Jan. 6, which was is widely considered to be incited by outgoing President Donald Trump. Following the riots, various law enforcement agencies have warned of violent events that are expected to take place during Biden’s inauguration.

Facebook isn’t the only company to take action amid threats of violence to Washington on Inauguration Day. On Wednesday, Airbnb announced it would be blocking and canceling all reservations made in the Washington, D.C., metro area for the week of the inauguration.

“[D.C.] Mayor Bowser, [Maryland] Governor Hogan and [Virginia] Governor Northam have been clear that visitors should not travel to the D.C. Metro area for the Inauguration,” the company said in a statement.

“Additionally, we are aware of reports emerging yesterday afternoon regarding armed militias and known hate groups that are attempting to travel and disrupt the Inauguration.”

Biden’s inauguration is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at the Capitol.

Facebook is reportedly changing its policy on hate speech and shifting away from a "race-blind" approach
Facebook is reportedly changing its policy on hate speech and shifting away from a "race-blind" approach AFP / Olivier DOULIERY
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