Meta takes down SMNI Facebook pages

Meta takes down SMNI Facebook pages

  • 19.03.2025 16:56
  • msn.com
  • Keywords: Hate Speech

Meta removed three SMNI Facebook pages, claiming they violated community standards by promoting harmful stereotypes and hate speech. SMNI denied wrongdoing, stating they speak the truth. This move follows broader platform actions against content linked to Apollo Quiboloy, tied to US sanctions over alleged human rights violations.

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Estimated market influence

Meta

Meta

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Analyst rating: Strong buy

Meta took down SMNI Facebook pages for hate speech.

Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI)

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Analyst rating: N/A

SMNI's pages were removed due to policy violations.

Context

Analysis of Meta Taking Down SMNI Facebook Pages

Key Facts and Data Points

  • 3 Facebook pages affiliated with Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) were taken down by Meta.
  • The pages violated Facebook’s community standards by allegedly "expressing hatred or contempt for a group of people and using harmful racial stereotypes."
  • SMNI, known for its favorable coverage of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, has faced repeated takedowns across platforms since 2023.
  • At least 21 accounts across Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok have been disabled.
  • The disabling began after the US government imposed sanctions on Apollo Quiboloy under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

Market Trends and Business Impact

  • Shift in Content Regulation: Meta, Google, and TikTok are increasingly enforcing stricter community guidelines, particularly against hate speech and misinformation.
  • Decline in Influence for SMNI: The repeated takedowns have significantly reduced SMNI’s online presence, impacting its media influence and potential advertising revenue.
  • Audience Fragmentation: SMNI’s attempts to create new pages highlight the challenges of rebuilding audiences on regulated platforms.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Opportunity for Competitors: Other media outlets may gain market share as SMNI struggles to maintain its online presence.
  • Strategic Caution: Media organizations are likely reevaluating their content strategies to avoid similar takedowns, potentially leading to a more cautious approach in reporting sensitive topics.

Regulatory and Long-Term Implications

  • Global Sanctions Impact: US sanctions against Quiboloy have far-reaching effects, influencing platform policies globally.
  • Potential Censorship Concerns: The case raises questions about the balance between free speech and platform regulation, particularly for media outlets critical of political figures.

Strategic Considerations

  • Platform Dependency Risks: Media organizations relying heavily on social platforms face significant business risks due to changing platform policies.
  • Reputation Management: SMNI’s ability to rebuild trust with audiences will be crucial for long-term survival in the digital space.

This situation underscores the evolving landscape of online content regulation and its profound impact on media businesses, particularly those aligned with controversial figures or political movements.