Facebook 101
LGBT Network of Support
Background
Facebook aggressively addresses any instance of bullying or harassment. In addition, we understand
the unique challenges that LGBT teens face. In 2010 we formed a Network of Support with leading
LGBT groups to help send the message that hateful speech won’t be tolerated on Facebook.
Facebook is committed to fostering a safe and trusted
environment where people can connect and share
comfortably. But sometimes, just like in the offline world,
people can say offensive or even hateful things online.
Hateful comments violate Facebook’s policies, and if they
are posted, people on Facebook are quick to report them
and we are quick to respond.
We take our Statement of Rights and Responsibilities very
seriously and react swiftly to reports of inappropriate
content and behavior. The goal of these policies is to strike
a delicate balance between giving people the freedom to
express their opinions and viewpoints–even those that
may be controversial to some–and maintaining a robust
safety environment.
We also have a comprehensive reporting system that
enables everyone on the site to report offensive or
dangerous content when they see it. In doing so, we have
effectively created the world’s largest “neighborhood
watch” program - a system of community policing that
allows people to protect those around them.
But it’s not just about removing bad content, it’s also about
preventing it. Our “real name culture” is one of Facebook’s
most important safeguards. People have to be their real
selves on Facebook and associate their actions with their
true names and identities. This advances an environment
where people are accountable for their actions. To promote
this culture, we’ve developed technical systems to flag and
block potential fake identities.
We believe that educating people about the damaging
impact of hateful remarks is a responsibility shared by
parents, educators, advocacy organizations, and services
like Facebook. We take steps to reduce the likelihood of
it happening in the first place. We’re concerned about any
abusive behavior and promote an environment where
everyone on Facebook can connect and share comfortably.
Facebook’s Network of Support
The Network of Support includes the following partners:
• Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
(GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by
empowering real people to share their stories, holding
the media accountable for the words and images
they present, and helping grassroots organizations
communicate effectively. www.glaad.org
• Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
strives to ensure that each member of every school
community is valued and respected regardless of gender
identity and expression. www.glsen.org
• Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is America’s largest civil
rights organization working to achieve LGBT equality.
www.hrc.org
• Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
(PFLAG) promotes the health and well-being of LGBT
persons, their families and their friends. www.pflag.org
• The Trevor Project is the leading national organization
focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among
LGBT and questioning youth. The Trevor Project also
provides a 24/7 toll-free telephone hotline for people in
need of help. www.thetrevorproject.org
• MTV’s A Thin Line Campaign empowers young people
nationwide to draw their own lines between digital use
and digital abuse - including cyberbullying, sexting, and
all types of digital harassment.
www.athinline.org
About Facebook
Founded in February 2004, Facebook’s mission is to give
people the power to share and make the world more open and
connected. Anyone can sign up for Facebook and interact with
the people they know in a trusted environment. Facebook is a
privately held company headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif.
Updated: Feb. 2011