Google News is a news aggregator and app that lets users customize the news that they see from thousands of sources. Google News' policies, as reported on its Support page, reads: "We do not allow content that promotes violence or harassment against an individual or group based on ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity... We also do not allow content used to threaten or organize violence or support violent organizations."[1]
In a violation of its own policies, Al-Manar TV is a curated new source on Google News, listed alongside reputable mainstream news sources.[2] In 2006, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Al-Manar TV as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Entity for serving as the media arm of Hizbullah and facilitating Hizbullah activities,[3] including: employing Hizbullah members; supporting Hizbullah fundraising and recruitment efforts; and providing cover for operational surveillance for Hizbullah campaigns. Additionally, Hizbullah's Secretary General Nasrallah helps oversee and manage Al-Manar TV's budget. The Treasury also identified Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade - both designated terrorist organizations - as beneficiaries of Al-Manar TV. Al-Manar TV was also listed by the State Department on the Terrorist Exclusion List (TEL) in 2004.[4]
[1] Support.google.com/news/publisher-center/answer/6204050?hl=en&ref_topic=9010378, accessed July 12, 2019.
[2] News.google.com/publications/CAAqNAgKIi5DQklTSEFnTWFoZ0tGbUZzYldGdVlYSXVZMjl0TG14aUwyVnVaMnhwYzJnb0FBUAE?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen, accessed July 12, 2019.
[3] Treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/js4134.aspx, March 23, 2016.
[4] State.gov/terrorist-exclusion-list, accessed July 12, 2019.
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