Facebook flags Linux topics as 'cybersecurity threats' — posts and users being blocked

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DistroWatch is one of the largest affected organizations.

Linux topics being banned by Facebook
(Image credit: Future)

Facebook is banning posts that mention various Linux-related topics, sites, or groups. Some users may also see their accounts locked or limited when posting Linux topics. Major open-source operating system news, reviews, and discussion site DistroWatch is at the center of the controversy, as it seems to be the first to have noticed that Facebook's Community Standards had blackballed it.

A post on the site claims, "Facebook's internal policy makers decided that Linux is malware and labeled groups associated with Linux as being 'cybersecurity threats.' We tried to post some blurb about distrowatch.com on Facebook and can confirm that it was barred with a message citing Community Standards.

DistroWatch says that the Facebook ban took effect on January 19. Readers have reported difficulty posting links to the site on this social media platform. Moreover, some have told DistroWatch that their Facebook accounts have been locked or limited after sharing posts mentioning Linux topics.

If you're wondering if there might be something specific to DistroWatch.com, something on the site that the owners/operators perhaps don't even know about, for example, then it seems pretty safe to rule out such a possibility. Reports show that "multiple groups associated with Linux and Linux discussions have either been shut down or had many of their posts removed." However, we tested a few other Facebook posts with mentions of Linux, and they didn't get blocked immediately.

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Linux topics being banned by Facebook
(Image credit: Future)

Copenhagen-hosted DistroWatch says it has tried to appeal against the Community Standards-triggered ban. However, they say that a Facebook representative said that Linux topics would remain on the cybersecurity filter. The DistroWatch writer subsequently got their Facebook account locked…

Facebook's overzealous ban on some Linux topics in the name of Community Standards and its protection of its users from threats come with a large ladle full of irony. "Facebook runs much of its infrastructure on Linux," DistroWatch points out, "and often posts job ads looking for Linux developers."

However, the Linux news site was gracious enough not to sneer at Facebook's record of (not) protecting its users. For example, some consider Facebook to have been instrumental in election interference around the world, to have fuelled genocide in Myanmar, and, despite its terrible past, has recently decided to dispose of its independent fact-checkers.

There is some hope that banning Linux links and topics is a temporary blip on the radar. Facebook will soon realize that it has mistaken what is a flock of migratory birds for a squadron of assault drones. DistroWatch notes that it also suffered from an RSS feed ban hammer when Twitter changed its name to X-rated content implying X.

If you have noticed any other Linux-related domains, links, or phrases that Facebook has banned, please tell us in the comments section.

Mark Tyson
Mark Tyson
News Editor

Mark Tyson is a news editor at Tom's Hardware. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason.

34 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Gaidax
    Well, given that Facebook is probably running on Linux-based servers, then they aren't wrong about that assessment.
    Reply
  • SomeoneElse23
    If I had to guess, I'd say AI has some role in this blunder.
    Reply
  • oofdragon
    Facebook is utter G****
    Reply
  • Findecanor
    Considering how many scam and phishing ads there are on Facebook, I'd say that Facebook is the security threat.
    My mum is on Facebook and I have to help her with such things on a fairly regular basis.
    Reply
  • rambo919
    It will be hilarious if some genius decides that using Linux is the new "wont take the mandatory experimental medical treatment".
    Reply
  • DavidLejdar
    Makes for some marketing slogans though. Like:

    #Linux - for the U.S. elite, too much freedom to handle
    Reply
  • why_wolf
    I can proudly say I deleted my FB account last week. Vive la résistance!
    Reply
  • bit_user
    I find it surprising that the Open Source movement still uses commercial platforms like FB and X. A lot of them have moved over to Mastodon, but too many are still active on these legacy platforms and supporting their harmful business models.

    I guess I don't have a whole lot of sympathy for DistroWatch or other FOSS people/orgs who get smacked down by FB. There's an element of hypocrisy in them using these platforms, when better options exist. Just look at this episode as Facebook helping you to do the right thing!
    Reply
  • Li Ken-un
    Oldie but goodie:
    8. Is your son obsessed with "Lunix?"
    BSD, Lunix, Debian and Mandrake are all versions of an illegal hacker operation system, invented by a Soviet computer hacker named Linyos Torovoltos, before the Russians lost the Cold War. It is based on a program called "xenix", which was written by Microsoft for the US government. These programs are used by hackers to break into other people's computer systems to steal credit card numbers. They may also be used to break into people's stereos to steal their music, using the "mp3" program. Torovoltos is a notorious hacker, responsible for writing many hacker programs, such as "telnet", which is used by hackers to connect to machines on the internet without using a telephone.

    Your son may try to install "lunix" on your hard drive. If he is careful, you may not notice its presence, however, lunix is a capricious beast, and if handled incorrectly, your son may damage your computer, and even break it completely by deleting Windows, at which point you will have to have your computer repaired by a professional.

    If you see the word "LILO" during your windows startup (just after you turn the machine on), your son has installed lunix. In order to get rid of it, you will have to send your computer back to the manufacturer, and have them fit a new hard drive. Lunix is extremely dangerous software, and cannot be removed without destroying part of your hard disk surface.
    Reply
  • hotaru251
    Gaidax said:
    Well, given that Facebook is probably running on Linux-based servers, then they aren't wrong about that assessment.
    they are mostly using linux servers for their stuff....which is ironic as calling linux malware is legit stupid & i just take it as them saying their products are malware (as they run on what they say is malware)
    Reply