Taliban on Social Media: Platforms Struggle with Response

Social Media Platforms Navigate Policy Challenges in Afghanistan

As the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Afghanistan progresses after a twenty-year presence, social media companies are confronting a complex array of policy considerations.

For years, the Taliban has demonstrated proficiency in utilizing social media. However, these platforms now face novel challenges as the group, known for its harsh and repressive practices, attempts to establish itself as Afghanistan’s legitimate governing authority on the global stage.

Facebook's Proactive Measures

Recognizing the potential risks to its users, Facebook has implemented initial safeguards. Nathaniel Gleicher of Facebook announced a series of new measures deployed over the past week via Twitter.

A key feature introduced is a “one-click” account locking mechanism for individuals in Afghanistan. This allows users to instantly conceal their posts and restrict profile access to friends only, preventing unauthorized downloads or sharing of profile pictures.

Furthermore, Facebook has disabled the ability to view or search friends lists for users located within Afghanistan. On Instagram, users in Afghanistan will encounter pop-up alerts detailing how to quickly secure their accounts.

The Taliban and Facebook’s Policies

The Taliban is currently prohibited on Facebook due to the company’s policies concerning dangerous organizations. A Facebook spokesperson clarified to the BBC that accounts associated with or supporting the Taliban are removed, and expressions of praise or representation are also forbidden.

It’s important to note that the Afghan Taliban is not currently listed as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department. However, the Taliban operating in Pakistan has held this designation since 2010.

Although not formally designated, the Afghanistan-based Taliban is considered a terror group under U.S. economic sanctions imposed following the events of 9/11.

WhatsApp’s Encryption Complicates Enforcement

While the Taliban is also banned from Facebook-owned WhatsApp, the platform’s end-to-end encryption presents difficulties in enforcing this rule. WhatsApp is widely used in Afghanistan, serving as a communication tool for both the Afghan military and the Taliban.

Despite the ban, the Taliban utilized WhatsApp to disseminate information regarding its seizure of power and to discourage resistance, achieving a remarkably swift and uncomplicated takeover. The group even established a WhatsApp helpline for reporting violence or crime, which Facebook promptly deactivated.

Policy Reevaluation

Monika Bickert, Facebook’s VP of content policy, indicated that even if the U.S. government removes the Taliban from its list of sanctioned terror groups, the platform will conduct a thorough reevaluation. “We would have to do a policy analysis on whether or not they nevertheless violate our dangerous organizations policy,” she stated.

YouTube’s Stance

Similar to Facebook, YouTube maintains a ban on the Taliban. This decision aligns with existing sanctions and is subject to change based on potential shifts in U.S. policy toward the Taliban.

A YouTube spokesperson explained to TechCrunch that the platform complies with all applicable sanctions and trade laws. Accounts believed to be operated by the Afghan Taliban are terminated, and content inciting violence is prohibited.

Twitter’s Approach

On Twitter, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid continues to share updates on the group’s activities in Kabul. Another representative, Qari Yousaf Ahmadi, also actively posts on the platform.

Unlike Facebook and YouTube, Twitter does not impose a blanket ban on the group, instead enforcing its policies on a per-post basis.

Other Platforms and Future Considerations

If the Taliban expands its social media presence, other platforms may encounter similar policy dilemmas. TikTok did not respond to a request for comment but previously informed NBC that it considers the Taliban a terrorist organization and prohibits content promoting the group.

The Taliban currently lacks a significant presence on platforms beyond the mainstream social networks, but it is conceivable that the former insurgency could leverage alternative platforms to reshape its image as the world observes.

Twitch declined to comment on its potential response to the group’s use of the platform, but it does have a policy that considers “off-service conduct” when banning users. This policy, initially designed to address abusive behavior and harassment among streamers, now extends to violent extremism, terrorism, and other serious threats.

This broader definition would likely prevent the Taliban from establishing a presence on Twitch, even if U.S. sanctions are lifted or terrorist designations are altered.