Yesterday after becoming rather popular on the ‘net for hosting several Holocaust-denial groups, Facebook went and shut two of them down. And left at least three of them going strong. Gee…some more random picking and choosing on Facebook’s part? “You two groups are hateful…you others…nah…not so much.” Ummm…right.

In response to what has been going on, Facebook spokesperson Barry Schnitt says “Denying the holocaust is not a violation of our terms.” I don’t know about other writers discussing this, but that wasn’t my reasoning for saying this is a violation of Facebook Terms of Service. Yes, I get that people have a right to have their heads up their butts and think the Holocaust never happened. I also get they have the right to think whatever they want. But according to Facebook Terms of Service, they do not have the right to make hateful statements on that site. And it is being done. What? In the name of discussing ideas? Puh-lease.

It is illegal in thirteen countries. The United States is not one of them. Holocaust denial is actually against the law in thirteen countries, and is said to represent a form of hatred and hate speech in general, that is simply not tolerated. But don’t worry all you haters, you are apparently just fine on Facebook.

While a big part of any social networking site is talking and building communities with like minded people, what happens when the line is crossed and those communities become offensive to others? Of course at that point we have people jumping in and yelling “Free Speech! I have my rights!” but is that really what our Amendment rights were put there for? To promote hate? Also, freedom of speech aside, what about that simple fact that they are breaking Terms of Service of these social networking sites? And it is being allowed to happen?