Misinformation contributed to Martin Luther King's assassination, daughter tells Facebook

Bernice King said misinformation campaigns helped lead to the assassination of the civil rights leader, she said in a response to a speech by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg referenced Martin Luther King in a speech about political advertisements. Source: AAP

Disinformation campaigns contributed to the assassination of Martin Luther King, the daughter of the US civil rights leader said after the head of Facebook claimed social media companies should not fact check political advertisements.

The comments come while Facebook is under fire for its approach to political advertisements and speech, which chief executive Mark Zuckerberg defended on Thursday in a major speech that twice referenced Mr King, known by his initials MLK. 

Mr King’s daughter, Bernice, tweeted that she had heard the speech.

“I’d like to help Facebook better understand the challenges #MLK faced from disinformation campaigns launched by politicians. These campaigns created an atmosphere for his assassination,” she said.

The civil rights leader died of an assassin’s bullet in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968.

Mr Zuckerberg argued that his company should give voice to minority views and said that court protection for free speech stemmed in part from a case involving a partially inaccurate advertisement by Mr King supporters.

Bernice King speaks at the Martin Luther King annual commemorative service. Source: AAP

The US Supreme Court protected the supporters from a lawsuit.

“People should decide what is credible, not tech companies,” he said.

“We very much appreciate Ms King’s offer to meet with us. Her perspective is invaluable and one we deeply respect. We look forward to continuing this important dialogue with her in Menlo Park next week,” a Facebook spokesperson added.