Something needs to be done about Facebook’s political collusion with right-wing governments like that of the Conservative Party in the UK.

You’ll be aware that, a few days ago, I published the article Desperate woman self-immolates in a Tory-run council office. Where is the outrage? If you weren’t aware of it, I’d be very surprised; it has been read nearly 70,000 times.

I publicised it on Facebook, to several pages and groups.

Today, I received the following from Facebook:

“Facebook Help Team
“Someone asked us to review one of your posts because they thought you might be going through something difficult. Call a trained volunteer at Samaritans. It’s completely confidential and free. Call them on 116 123.
“Learn more about what you can do if you’re having thoughts about self-harm or suicide.”

That’s right – someone told Facebook they thought my post, about a woman pushed so far by government victimisation that she set fire to herself, meant I might be planning something similar, and Facebook never bothered to check. That is insulting.

Then I received this:

“The post below was removed because we’re concerned it that might encourage or promote self-harm or suicidal behavior.
“We hope you’ll understand why we removed it. This policy and the other Facebook Community Standards were created to help keep Facebook a positive and safe place for everyone.

“Mike Sivier
“A woman set fire to herself in a Tory council office, apparently in protest at her treatment by the government. The incident has been hidden from us. Why?”

There was no opportunity to complain – only a box for me to click, saying “OK”.

It isn’t “OK”!

And here’s a further insult. Once I clicked that box (there was no alternative available), I got this:

“Mike, can we help?
“If you’re going through a difficult time and want support, we’d like to help.

“Talk to a Friend
“Message or call someone you trust.

“Contact a Helpline
“They can listen and help you work through this.

“Get Tips and Support
“See suggestions of ways to support yourself.”

This is beyond the pale.

I have written to Facebook, pointing out that nothing in my article or the links to it suggest any consideration of or endorsement of self-harm in any way whatsoever, and that I was pointing out an outrage caused by government injustice.

I went on to state that it is my opinion that the person who reported my post to Facebook did so for political motives, because they support the Conservative government’s campaign of hate against the vulnerable that may have led to the woman mentioned in the article taking the action she did.

I indicated that this means Facebook, by taking down my post, was also endorsing the government’s campaign of victimisation against the vulnerable – and that Facebook was supporting the policies that led to this woman’s self-immolation.

Hiding that fact behind a veil of fake concern for my own well-being won’t impress anybody.

I am, of course, re-posting the link, and I would appreciate it if everybody reading this did the same. Here’s the relevant wording:

A woman set fire to herself in a Tory council office, apparently in protest at her treatment by the government. The incident has been hidden from us. Why?

Desperate woman self-immolates in a Tory-run council office. Where is the outrage? https://wp.me/p4Sru1-b9o

This kind of politically-motivated censorship – with an intention to cause harm – must not be tolerated.

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