Facebook threatened to ban organisers of DIY mask-making efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a public outcry. 

The social media platform removed posts and threatened to ban organisers of DIY mask-making efforts on the basis that they allegedly violated community standards on misinformation and health-related content. 

The platform said it aimed to prevent the spread of false information about COVID-19 and ensure that users were not promoting unverified health practices.

The action sparked a backlash from users who were actively trying to contribute to mask production, as well as from public health advocates, researchers, and media commentators.

Following the outcry, Facebook acknowledged its mistake and stated it would allow such posts, emphasising the importance of community support in health crises.

Timeline ⏰

• March 6, 2020. Facebook announces a ban on ads for medical face masks across its platforms.

• March-April 2020. Automated systems begin removing posts from DIY mask-making volunteer groups and threatening organisers with bans.

• April 5, 2020. The New York Times reports on the issue, triggering a public backlash from volunteers, public health advocates, and commentators.

• April 6, 2020. Facebook apologises, stating it does not want to put obstacles in the way of people doing a good thing, and commits to updating its systems.

News, commentary, analysis 🗞️

• https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/05/technology/coronavirus-facebook-masks.html

• https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/349524/facebook-apologizes-for-inadvertently-hampering-ho.html

• https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200405/23414344241/content-moderation-is-impossible-facebooks-attempts-to-block-mask-gouging-took-down-diy-face-mask-instructions.shtml

• https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/06/facebook-face-masks-coronavirus/