This year’s U.S. presidential elections are in jeopardy, in part because Facebook denies any responsibility for the lies, hate, and disinformation spread using its platform. More than half of Americans get their news from the platform, and as long as Facebook goes unregulated—whether through government or self-regulation—U.S. democracy will suffer.
Facebook refuses to take down advertisements by U.S. politicians that feature even the most blatant falsehoods and freely allows hidden microtargeting that directs disinformation at vulnerable communities. In response to criticism, Facebook provides noble-sounding explanations for its unwillingness to regulate its platform. Mark Zuckerberg often references freedom of expression or claims that Facebook is playing a key role in democracy by allowing citizens to see for themselves what politicians have to say. But the company’s policy of “buy and lie” in campaign advertising endangers our right to a free and fair election all the while filling Facebook’s pockets with cash.
We demand that Facebook:
- Stop the lies in political ads
- Prohibit political ad microtargeting
- Deny service to any user trying to disrupt the 2020 election
We are turning up the pressure in 2020 through protests outside Facebook’s headquarters in Menlo Park, and this President’s Day, we are bringing the fight straight to Mark Zuckerberg. Join local activists and fed-up Facebook users as they protest in San Francisco outside of Mark Zuckerberg’s house near Dolores Park. Another group will gather in Palo Alto to create a “Truth Matters” billboard along the Highway 101 overpass.
WHEN: Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 17 at 10 a.m.
WHERE:
- SAN FRANCISCO: 3450 21st Street
- PALO ALTO: 101 Overpass in Palo Alto at Oregon Expressway/Embarcadero Road
For more information about our actions, visit us at www.protestfacebook.org
