Feb 03, 2025 10:57:00

Meta corrects Facebook's 'malicious software' denial of Linux-related posts, saying it was an error

DistroWatch , a website that covers Linux-related content, posted a Linux-related post on Facebook, which was removed as 'malicious software.' Meta later said that this was an error.

DistroWatch.com: Put the fun back into computing. Use Linux, BSD.
https://distrowatch.com/weekly-mobile.php?issue=20250127#sitenews

Facebook Accidentally Blocks Users From Posting About Linux | PCMag
https://www.pcmag.com/news/facebook-accidentally-blocks-users-from-posting-about-linux

Facebook admits that the Linux topic crackdown was 'in error' and has been fixed | Tom's Hardware

https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/facebook-admits-that-the-linux-topic-crackdown-was-in-error-and-has-been-fixed

According to DistroWatch, there have been reports that if you post about Linux on Facebook or share a link to DistroWatch after January 19, 2025, the post will be deleted. In fact, on the online bulletin board site Reddit, a user reported that 'I tried to mention DistroWatch on Facebook in Australia, but an error occurred and I couldn't post.'

DistroWatch also said, 'We have received reports that some users have had their accounts locked or restricted for posting about Linux.' The screenshot below shows that a DistroWatch post was removed by Facebook, and Facebook stated that the reason for the removal was that the post 'may encourage the sharing, creation, or hosting of malicious software.'

DistroWatch immediately appealed to Facebook. However, the next day, Facebook said that Linux topics would remain in their security filter and refused to lift the restriction. DistroWatch criticized, 'Ironically, Facebook runs much of its infrastructure on Linux and frequently posts job ads seeking Linux developers.'

Facebook bans 'Linux' posts, community protests, 'treated as malware' - GIGAZINE

However, on January 28, 2025, Meta reported to PCMag, 'This enforcement was an error that has since been addressed. Linux posts are now allowed on our service.' DistroWatch said, 'We've heard that Facebook has lifted the ban on posts containing links to DistroWatch. This is great news, but I can't confirm the lifting of the ban because my personal Facebook account is still locked from trying to post links to DistroWatch. However, all appeals and complaints appear to have been successful.'


At the time of writing, it is still unclear why Facebook deleted posts about Linux and locked related accounts. PCMag speculates that it may be because Facebook has moved away from independent fact-checking and instead switched to a 'Community Notes' format where users can check each other for accuracy.

Meta's Mark Zuckerberg declares 'returning to the origins of freedom of expression,' announcing the end of fact-checking functionality and a shift to a community note format - GIGAZINE