On September 9, Facebook users were given the false impression that the Topic "September 11th Anniversary" was Trending because so many people were interested in
photos of sunlight reflecting off One World Trade Center.
The Topic was actually Trending on the strength of
an article in the UK's Daily Star, describing why
scientists and engineers believe the Twin Towers were destroyed by explosives.
Thanks to Abby Ohlheiser of the
Washington Post, we know that this was not a mistake. Facebook deliberately misled its users.
We also know
how and why it happened.
