US Intercept discloses Facebook’s list of “Dangerous” leaders of Syrian opposition

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – On Wednesday, the US Intercept newspaper disclosed about a list of names of personalities and military factions affiliated with the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) that Facebook administration considered “dangerous.”

The list included the following factions Ajnad al-Hasakah, al-Jabha al-Shamiya (Levant Front), SNA, Free Idlib Army, Jaysh al-Sham, Jaysh al-Izza, Jaysh al-Ummah, Jaysh al-Nasr, Liwa Thuwar al-Raqqa, Kata’b Abu Amara, and Liwa al-Ansaar.”  

The list also included the name of Brigadier General, Ahmed Rahal, a defector from the Syrian government, saying that he is belonging to the Free Syrian Army in addition to other names of individuals.

According to Intercept, “We agree that we can and should do more” to “prevent our platform from being used to foment division and incite offline violence,” Facebook Administration said.

“Although disclosing the list would put its employees at risk; However, the company’s carefully selected supervisory board has officially recommended to be released, because publishing this information is in the public interest,” Intercept cited Facebook spokesman as saying.

Facebook’s Dangerous Individuals and Organizations’ policy (DIO) was formulated after criticism from governments and activists that the platform was being used by militant groups, the far-right and other “extremist” organizations to promote their ideologies.