Facebook Has Banned QAnon

Topline

Facebook is removing all accounts across its platforms affiliated with the right-wing QAnon conspiracy theory, the boldest step after months of cracking down on the pro-Trump group the FBI has warned are “conspiracy theory-driven domestic terrorists.”

Key Facts

Critical Quote

“For example, while we’ve removed QAnon content that celebrates and supports violence, we’ve seen other QAnon content tied to different forms of real world harm, including recent claims that the west coast wildfires were started by certain groups, which diverted attention of local officials from fighting the fires and protecting the public,” Facebook said in a statement.

Key Background

The QAnon conspiracy has quickly spread online, after first appearing on the 4chan message board in 2017. It promotes the existence of a “deep state” in control of American society, and has claimed that figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci are actors in the deep state plot. Attendees of Trump rallies are regularly seen wearing shirts and holding signs that are supportive of QAnon, which the FBI warned in a memo last year contained followers that were “conspiracy theory-driven domestic terrorists.”

Further Reading

A QAnon Follower May Win This U.S. Congressional Seat (Forbes)

What Is QAnon And How Might It Impact The U.S. Election? (Forbes)