Secret Far-Right Facebook Groups Stirring Up Anti-Muslim Hatred

19 June 2019, 08:54

Islamophobic comments on a secret Facebook group
Islamophobic comments on a secret Facebook group. Picture: Facebook
Matthew Thompson

By Matthew Thompson

An LBC investigation has uncovered far right groups using Facebook to stir up violence and hatred against Muslims.

Not only is the content of these groups racist, and in clear breach of Facebook's own terms and conditions, but police sources have told LBC that it may also include criminal offences.

Most users on Facebook know you can set up and join groups, on any subject under the sun. Normally, you can search for these groups - some are open, others are closed, and you have to apply to join.

But there's another lesser-known type of group: secret groups. These aren't searchable, and the only way you know they exist is if you get invited to join.

We've gained access to two such secret groups, and found a hive of far right activity, racism, islamophobia and homophobia. One group in particular has around 2,000 members, and is using Facebook as a means to share some disturbing, and potentially radicalising content.

Another example of a far-right post on Facebook
Another example of a far-right post on Facebook. Picture: Facebook

A few examples:

On one page discussing Muslim politicians like Sadiq Khan and Sajid Javid, members have commented that "Muslims need to be controlled". "They are invading our countries like turmites" (sic) says another.

On a post about a recent clash between far right protestors and Muslim counter protestors in Oldham, one man commented that Muslims were like "Sewer rats crawling out of drains" and another suggested bullets should be thrown at them.

And there is even some discussion of concentration camps being the best place for Muslims.

This poster said Muslims are "invading our country's like turmites" (sic)
This poster said Muslims are "invading our country's like turmites" (sic). Picture: Facebook
One Facebook user responded to this story about Muslims throwing eggs at protesters by saying "throw bullets back"
One Facebook user responded to this story about Muslims throwing eggs at protesters by saying "throw bullets back". Picture: Facebook

We've been told by a senior police source, as well as a criminal lawyer, that some of these comments could constitute offences under the public order act, punishable by up to 6 months in prison

A Facebook spokesperson told LBC: "Harmful or offensive content has no place on Facebook and groups must adhere to our community standards. These include strict rules around hate speech, harassment, bullying, and terrorist and extremist content.

"In this instance, the group itself does not violate our community standards - however, there were users and content within these groups which violated our rules and which we’ve immediately removed.

“Over the last twelve months, we’ve continued to invest in our technology to detect hate speech on Facebook. Between January and March this year we have removed 4 million pieces of hate speech from our platform. 65% of this content was automatically detected and removed before people reported it to us – which is almost double the same period last year.”

We flagged this with Facebook last week and as they've decided not to take the group down, people are still free to post on these groups.

We found two secret groups on Facebook. The question has to be, how many other hubs of extremism and radicalisation are lurking on the platform, out of sight?

The government's extremism commissioner Sara Khan told us she was "disgusted" by the comments and that social media companies like Facebook needed to do much more.

That sentiment was echoed by Sadiq Khan, who features heavily in some of the posts. He told us platforms needed to act more responsibly.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

John Tuckett

Labour's new borders watchdog 'to work from home in Finland', 1,200 miles from London

President Donald Trump speaks with Jordan's King Abdullah II in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington. (Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump doubles down on pledge to 'take over Gaza', as Netanyahu threatens return to war if Israeli hostages not freed

The Princess of Wales, Patron of Action for Children, during a visit to a mother and baby unit inside HMP Styal in Wilmslow

Kate met with wolf-whistles and cries for 'more funding' as she visits women's prison

Domestic cat balancing on garden fence, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

Police hunt mystery cat coiffeur after felines in rural Lincolnshire village return home missing patches of fur

Liam Payne and Maya Henry

Liam Payne 'smoked heroin and sexted fans': Bombshell revelations as ex-fiancee breaks silence on star's death

Exclusive
Bridget Phillipson has said Yvette Cooper will 'make sure' vetting of Metropolitan Police officers is 'overhauled'

Home secretary will ensure 'overhaul' of Met vetting process following controversial High Court ruling, Phillipson says

Exclusive
James Cleverly

James Cleverly slams 'Orwellian' assisted dying bill as High Court judge sign-off to be scrapped

The Church of England's governing body has voted against a fully independent safeguarding body

Church of England vote 'a punch in the gut for victims' as Synod rejects independent safeguarding

Oliver Ryan and Andrew Gwynne have been suspended

Eleven Labour councillors suspended for being part of offensive WhatsApp group after two MPs also punished

A major travel agent has urged families to go on holiday during Easter rather than the summer

Save thousands by going on holiday at Easter instead of summer, British families told

Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to tear up the ceasefire deal

Netanyahu’s ultimatum to Hamas: Return hostages by Saturday deadline or ceasefire gives way to 'intense fighting'

Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney were in attendance at Denis Law's funeral

Stars pay final respects to Denis Law as Manchester United legend laid to rest

Strangers bar is to reopen following spiking allegation

MPs bar to reopen with extra security after spiking claims

The bodies of Andrew Searle and his wife Dawn were discovered by a neighbour

Post-mortem results reveal fatal injuries of British couple found dead at home in rural French village

Salman Rushdie gives evidence in court as author gives evidence against alleged knife attacker

Salman Rushdie gives evidence in court as author gives evidence against alleged knife attacker

The Huszti sisters

Bodies recovered from river in Scotland confirmed as missing sisters