Orlando shooting victims’ families sue Twitter, Facebook, and Google over ISIS propaganda

Family members of three people killed during the June attack on Orlando’s Pulse nightclub are suing Facebook, Twitter, and Google, arguing that the three companies allowed the spread of ISIS internet propaganda that radicalized shooter Omar Mateen.

“For years, Defendants have knowingly and recklessly provided the terrorist group ISIS with accounts to use its social networks as a tool for spreading extremist propaganda, raising funds, and attracting new recruits,” the lawsuit, which was first flagged by Fox News, begins.

Among the 49 killed in the attack were Tevin Eugene Crosby, Juan Guerrero, and Javier Jorge-Reyes, whose families brought suit this week. The suit claims the three tech companies have facilitated “the explosive growth of ISIS,” and failed to stop the group’s spread.

“Defendants are acting knowingly and recklessly,” suit alleges

“Because the suspicious activity used by ISIS and other nefarious organizations engaged in illegal activities is easily detectable and preventable and that Defendants are fully aware that these organizations are using their networks to engage in illegal activity demonstrates that Defendants are acting knowingly and recklessly allowing such illegal conduct,” the suit alleges.

The growth of ISIS online has been well documented, but the plaintiffs in the case may still face an uphill battle to find the tech companies culpable. In August, a court dismissed a similar lawsuit against Twitter, which also argued the company had provided “material support” to ISIS. 

The article was published on : theverge