Pentagon - Soldiers will be punished for ‘liking’ wrong ideas on internet | Eastern NC Now

The Pentagon on Monday released a new set of rules meant to curtail extremism in the ranks, updating previous guidance that was criticized as being unclear on what was acceptable behavior and what wasn’t.

The rules stipulate that service members are prohibited from actively engaging in extremist activities and could be punished for advocating for extremist content online, including “liking” such content on social media platforms.

“The physical act of liking is, of course, advocating, right? And advocating for extremist groups, groups that advocate violating their oath to the Constitution, overthrow the government, terrorist activities, liking is an advocation and that’s laid out clearly in the instruction,” Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told reporters on Monday. 

https://thehill.com/policy/defense/586668-pentagon-releases-new-rules-aimed-at-tackling-extremism-in-the-ranks