Facebook blocks removed, TISG thanks FB staff for quick resolution

Thank you all for your messages of support.

Facebook has reinstated all website links from theindependent.sg as of 8pm last night (7th Nov 2019)

In an email response to us, at 2.34am this morning, Facebook informed us about the reinstatement of the links from TISG and they said it was caused by “an error” on their part. Facebook has also clarified that it does not censor political content.

“This was an error on our part and unrelated to political speech. Facebook does not have policies that prohibit political speech. We have rectified the issue and apologize for the inconvenience caused. You should see the posts on your page restored and you should be able to post as per normal,” said Facebook.

We have seen many memes and posts on Facebook linking this incident to government interference in the media. It is erroneous to link the two, as there is no evidence to support this theory.

Prior to this incident, TISG was already forging a media partnership with Facebook, and therefore, we believe that it was genuine error and that there was no malicious intent. Certainly not a case of foreign interference in local politics, as some commentators have made it out to be.

We take this opportunity to thank the team at Facebook, especially Mr Roy Tan, for responding swiftly in resolving this case.

For our readers, these incidents only make us stronger. At TISG, we are looking at possible solutions to ensure that we bring uninterupted service, especially during the upcoming general elections.

Thank you again for your support and encouragement. -/TISG