Zuckerberg defies Islamist threat and vows to protect freedom of speech

In the face of extremist threats, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has vowed to never let “one country or group of people dictate what people can share across the world”.

Zuckerberg reflected upon his experience with extremism over Facebook’s reluctance to ban content portraying the Prophet Muhammed.

He said: “A few years ago, an extremist in Pakistan fought to have me sentenced to death because Facebook refused to ban content about Muhammed that offended him. We stood up for this because different voices – even if they’re sometimes offensive – can make the world a better and more interesting place.”

Speaking on the Charlie Hebdo tragedy, Zuckerberg said: “As I reflect on yesterday’s attack and my own experience with extremism, this is what we all need to reject – a group of extremists trying to silence the voices and opinions of everyone else around the world.

“I won’t let that happen on Facebook. I’m committed to building a service where you can speak freely without fear of violence.”

He concluded: “My thoughts are with the victims, their families, the people of France and the people all over the world who choose to share their views and ideas, even when that takes courage. ‪#‎JeSuisCharlie”