Facebook Deletes Wikileaks Fan Page, Citing Promotion of 'Illegal Acts'

by Matthew Zuras on April 22, 2010 at 09:15 AM

If you don't know whistle-blowing Web outfit Wikileaks by now, you should. Most recently, it released this blood-curdling video showing the shooting of over a dozen people -- including two of Reuters' staff -- by the U.S. military in Iraq. Infamous as it now is for sharing this kind of classified information, Wikileaks is getting protective (if conspiratorial) about its social media presence -- or, rather, its lack of presence. The site claims that Facebook just deleted its 30,000-member strong fan page. In its defense, Facebook has claimed that the page "promotes illegal acts."

Keep in mind that we said the fan page was deleted, not the official Wikileaks Facebook page. Wikileaks is on the offensive, nevertheless, especially after Facebook users who were trying to share the helicopter video ran into some snafus, for which Facebook ultimately denied responsibility. Gawker cites an episode from 2008, in which a member of the Wikileaks Facebook page was mistakenly subpoenaed in a lawsuit initiated by Swiss banker Julius Baer over the site's posting of stolen documents. Facebook was likely perturbed by having one of its users dragged into a lawsuit for simply being a member of a page, and may now be trying to protect itself by deleting the Wikileaks fan page. Still, it's a curious case, and the promotion of "illegal acts" is a questionable accusation. We'll update as we learn more. [From: Gawker]

Next >> 'The 10 Most Annoying Things About Facebook'

Tags: censorship, facebook, socialnetworking, top, web, wikileaks

Comments

mikersweet618Apr 23rd 2010 8:36PM

Neutral

It's really a shame that educating the public about what is going on in the world in which they live is illegal. And, shame on facebook for doing it's part to limit the freedoms of the press and of free speech. Wikileaks brings to light major issues that are deemed as "classified" because they make the US look bad. As citizens, we have a right to know the actions of those who are said to represent us. The rights we, as citizens, lose to "national security" are detrimental to our freedom.

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Pat LukesApr 23rd 2010 8:45PM

Neutral

Why is it OK to show abuse to animals and not to humans? The Supreme
Court just ruled that it's OK and free speech to show the videos of abusing
animals.

I applaud for Facebook for deleting the page. We do not need to glorify
abuse and violence.

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aralpharettaApr 24th 2010 1:13AM

Neutral

AMEN

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leeApr 23rd 2010 9:40PM

Highly Ranked

wikileaks... don't believe a thing they promote, all doctored to make $$$$$

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BabetteApr 23rd 2010 9:44PM

Neutral

I hope Facebook will delete that horrible "prayer" about wanting President Obama to die.

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pootApr 23rd 2010 10:06PM

Neutral

So, in light of this, have they gotten rid of the PRAY FOR THE DEATH OF BARACK OBAMA page yet?

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DeenaApr 23rd 2010 11:47PM

Neutral

poot- I hope they get rid of it soon. I don't really care which political demographic you fall under, wishing a person dead is just disgusting!!

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blakeApr 24th 2010 12:28AM

Neutral

Every single country has had soldiers on the winning side of a battle in every single war throughout world history talking like these guys are. It just so happens this war is televised. When you have an army numbering over 100,000 troops there are going to be some bad apples in the bunch. You don't think terrorist joke around after sawing someone's head off? I asked my dad if he ever killed anyone in Vietnam.He said yes but its not something he's proud of. These guys seem a little too proud.

On a side not. Facebook is a privately owned company. It has every right to delete what ever page it wants to delete.

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DadasharkApr 24th 2010 1:04AM

Highly Ranked

This is what war is about. If a Roiters news man hangs out with our enemy he needs to know the risk he is taking. Anti-American-War activits are responsible for causing most of the war in my life time, and they arrogantly claim to be for peace.

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tazz261Apr 24th 2010 12:00PM

Neutral

This is a biased, low-quality news report. Show some footage of American troops getting killed, by Iraqi extremists. Iraqi people kill Americans all the time simply because we don't share their religious beliefs. Anyone with a decent education would be able to see through this. Iraqis hate Americans simply because they don't accept our religion. Most of religious 'extremists' don't have a credible education. Look at the big picture and make your own opinion. This news article is a lame attempt to get attention, ultimately for money. This article has nothing to do with humanity. If you don't believe me, read a book or two, then post. If your not educated and you have a biased opinion, its a waste of time. You can only judge what you can understand......

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DothanAlabamaApr 26th 2010 8:55PM

Neutral

There are murderers in Iraq, yes. Does that justify cold-blooded murder by Americans?

Some Iraqis and hate Americans for their religion. There are millions of Americans who hate others for their religion.

I fail to see a point here, oh esteemed educated one. Are you saying that two wrongs make a right? When we see evil should we get down on their level? Or is this just another shot at the media- see no evil, hear no evil, etc.

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