Facebook, Instagram And TikTok Block Access To Taliban Groups

JAKARTA - Facebook blocked accounts linked to the Taliban under its companies such as WhatsApp and Instagram. The blockade was carried out after the Taliban militant group took control of Afghanistan.

In fact, Facebook has banned content related to Taliban propaganda for a long time. And according to a company spokesman, they will continue to enforce the ban, because the Taliban is still included in the list of groups deemed terrorists by the United States (US).

"The Taliban are designated a terrorist organization under US law and we have banned them from our services under our Dangerous Organizations policies", a Facebook spokesperson told CNBC International, Wednesday, August 18.

Not only that, but Facebook has also formed a team to oversee content related to the Taliban. The team will immediately delete posts, images, videos, and other content related to the Taliban.

"We are also deploying a team of Afghan experts, who are fluent in Dari and Pasto and have knowledge of the local context, to help identify and notify us of any issues that develop on our platform", a Facebook spokesperson said.

One of them is the Taliban's WhatsApp hotline, which is a place to receive complaints about violence and looting. A Facebook spokesperson also said that the company is required to follow US regulations.

Despite their efforts, a WhatsApp spokesperson reported that some Taliban forces still use the service as a means of communication, and because the messaging platform embeds end-to-end encryption, the company can't see and know what they're talking about.

"As a private messaging service, we don't have access to the content of people's private conversations. However, if we become aware of the presence of a sanctioned individual or organization on WhatsApp, we will take action", said a WhatsApp spokesperson.

However, WhatsApp is not giving up, they will use AI software to evaluate unencrypted group information including name, profile photo, and group description to fulfill legal obligations.

Not only Facebook and its subsidiaries, but TikTok also enforce similar rules for the Taliban group, although it refuses to share a statement but has designated the Taliban as a terrorist organization and continues to remove content that praises, glorifies, or supports them.

According to Vice International's report, the Taliban sent a message to the residents of Kabul saying that they are now in charge of security in the city and citizens should report any looting or irresponsible behavior to them.

"The Islamic Emirate assures you that there is nothing to panic or be afraid of. The Taliban took over the city without fighting and no one will take any chances", the message reads.