Facebook, Instagram 'temporarily' allow calls for violence against Russians

Meta’s Facebook and Instagram on Thursday have made changes to their hate speech policy to allow for calls of violence against Russians and Russian soldiers amidst the Ukraine invasion.

In an exclusive from Reuters, they cite "internal emails" to content moderators about the updated revision. The outlet adds that calls for the death of Russian President Vladimir Putin or Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko will be allowed to stay up on the platform within areas like Poland, Russia, and Ukraine.

The only time the company is said to take action against the aforementioned posts unless they have "two indicators of credibility, such as the location or method."

At the start of the Russia - Ukraine conflict, The Intercept revealed how Facebook decided to allow praise for the alleged Neo-Nazi Azov Battalion, as well. Previously the group was labeled under "Dangerous Individuals and Organizations," which the platform strictly moderates discussions on.