Facebook has defended its decision to allow a notorious conspiracy theory website to remain on the social network, despite an ongoing row surrounding its position on fake news.

The social network has repeatedly claimed is cracking down on the spread of fake news, including investments in technology that can detect it on the site and alert users.

However, on Wednesday a spokesperson admitted that it will continue to publish notorious “alt-right” figurehead Alex Jones’ conspiracy website InfoWars on the platform, because it did not violate its policies.

In a Twitter spat, the social network appeared to pass the buck onto Twitter and YouTube.

“We understand you strongly disagree with our position,” it wrote in a tweet aimed at a New York Times journalist who questioned the lack of action.

“We just don’t think banning Pages for sharing conspiracy theories or false news is the right way to go. They seem to have YouTube and Twitter accounts too – we imagine for the same reason.”