Facebook Removes Anti-mask Group for COVID-19 Misinformation

Facebook has removed one of the largest anti-mask groups on its platform, “Unmasking America!”. It suspended the group for violating its policies against spreading misinformation about COVID-19.

The public group Unmasking America! has more than 9,600 members as shown in its About section. Moreover, its description says it is “here to spread the TRUTH about masks!”. 

It made several claims, which have been widely debunked, about masks. Specifically, those included the idea that the masks obstruct oxygen flow and have a negative psychological impact. 

Its post stated that the masks are a psychological anchor for suppression, enslavement, and cognitive obedience. It also said that when you wear a mask, you are complicit in declaring that all humans are dangerous, infectious, and threats.

“Unmasking America!” is one of the dozens of such groups easily found in a search for “unmasking” on Facebook. Some of these groups are private, and a group admin has to approve new members before they can join. 

But these groups share the same theme, opposing the public health intervention championed by medical experts. In contrast, the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people wear masks in all public areas. 

These Facebook groups are for all the people who don’t want to wear masks.

Facebook’s action came after an inquiry about the group. Facebook spokesperson, Dami Oyefeso, said in an email that they have clear policies against promoting harmful misinformation about COVID-19. They have thus removed this group while reviewing others. 

According to Facebook’s rules, the platform will show the group’s content lower in users’ News Feeds. That is if a group repeatedly shares false news. It will then stop suggesting people join the group to reduce its growth.

Covid-19: Other Anti-mask Groups

The Unmasking America group page had photos of members wearing masks emblazoned with the ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan. It also had other references to President Trump, usually as a way of protesting mask requirements. 

Other posts described experiences dealing with stores that require masks. Many posters also asked about how to claim an “exemption” from mask rules.

An image of a “Face Mask Exempt Card” issued by the “Freedom to Breathe Agency” was prominently linked to. A poster advised others to “print it, laminate it and use it. The number is legit.” 

No such government agency exists. Law enforcement officials have warned people on the use of a version of the justice department’s eagle logo. It warned that such cards “do not carry the force of law.”

Among the private groups are the “Million Unmasked March” group with more than 7,800 members. This group’s About section says that “Parents are powerful!” 

It says they are a group of moms, dads, grandparents, uncles, aunts, teachers, friends, and nurses. It also includes anyone who is concerned with their children wearing masks to school in the fall. 

They believe that their children wearing masks to school is physically and psychologically damaging. They urge you to join in saying “NO MORE MASKS!” 

Furthermore, another anti-mask group, called “Unmasking Fear”, with about 400 members, promoted an August 1st event “rallying against mandatory masks.”