Facebook said Saturday it would take down erroneous posts claiming anti-fascist activists have been maliciously sparking wildfires in Oregon and other Western states. The announcement came after multiple organizations, including the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon, issued warnings on social media about the false rumors, and another sheriff’s department placed a deputy on leave after he was seen on video suggesting fires were being started by antifa adherents. There is no evidence Oregon’s fires were caused by arson from far-left activists. “We are removing false claims that the wildfires in Oregon were started by certain groups,” Facebook spokesman Andy Stone tweeted. “This is based on confirmation from law enforcement that these rumors are forcing local fire and police agencies to divert resources from fighting the fires and protecting the public.” (…) “Rumors spread just like wildfire and now our 9-1-1 dispatchers and professional staff are being overrun with requests for information and inquiries on an UNTRUE rumor that 6 Antifa members have been arrested for setting fires in DOUGLAS COUNTY, OREGON,” the office said on Facebook Saturday. “THIS IS NOT TRUE!,” it continued. “Unfortunately, people are spreading this rumor and it is causing problems.” A firefighters union in Washington said on Facebook recently that the platform was “an absolute cesspool of misinformation right now.” Facebook’s Stone said the effort to remove such content could save lives.
via nbcnews: Facebook to take down false reports of antifa arson in Oregon