Hizbullah News Channel And Specially Designated Global Terrorist Entity Al-Manar TV Remains A Curated Source On Google News

A December 29, 2020 search shows that Google, in violation of its own policies, continues[1] to list Al-Manar TV as a curated new source on Google News, alongside reputable mainstream news sources.[2]

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."[3]

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,[4] 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.[5]

Screenshots of Al-Manar's recent reports on Google News, including headlines referring to assassinated IRGC Quds Force General Qassem Soleimani and Deputy Chairman of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Unites as a "martyrs," and to Israel as the "Zionist Entity."