Hizbullah News Channel And Specially Designated Global Terrorist Entity Al-Manar Still Appears As Curated Source On Google News

A July 16, 2021 search shows that Google, in violation of its own policies, continues[1] to list Al-Manar 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 in several languages.