Facebook Launches Anti Online Hate Speech

LONDON - Facebook launching a UK initiative to train and fund local organisations to combat extremism and hate speech. It comes a week after the social network announced steps of its own to remove terrorist-related content from its site.

The UK Online Civil Courage Initiative's initial partners include Imams Online and the Jo Cox Foundation.

In recent time, Facebook has faced criticism for being slow to react to terrorist propaganda on its platforms.

"The recent terror attacks in London and Manchester - like violence anywhere - are absolutely heartbreaking," said Facebook's chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg.

"No one should have to live in fear of terrorism and we all have a part to play in stopping violent extremism from spreading. We know we have more to do, but through our platform, our partners and our community we will continue to learn to keep violence and extremism off Facebook," she added.

In UK, people are being encouraged to visit UK OCCI Facebook page, to share stories, content and ideas, and use the hashtag #civilcourage.

Brendan Cox, the widower of murdered MP Jo Cox and the founder of the Jo Cox Foundation, has welcomed the move.

"This is a valuable and much needed initiative from Facebook in helping to tackle extremism," he said.