Facebook rethink on graphic content
Facebook has backed down over the posting of videos depicting beheadings.
The social media website issued a statement saying it had “re-examined” the issue and removed a beheading video after concluding that it “improperly and irresponsibly glorifies violence”.
Facebook said it would “strengthen the enforcement” of policies on graphic content, removing posts which celebrate violence and taking into account whether they are being shared “responsibly” – for instance by including warnings about their content or blocking under-age viewers from accessing them.
Facebook sparked a storm when it lifted a temporary ban imposed in May on beheading videos, on the grounds that the site is used to share information about world events. The company said it would take down posts which celebrated or encouraged beheadings.
After the UK Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday condemned the decision as “irresponsible” and said Facebook would have to explain it to worried parents, the company issued a new statement.
The statement said: “People turn to Facebook to share their experiences and to raise awareness about issues important to them. Sometimes, those experiences and issues involve graphic content that is of public interest or concern, such as human rights abuses, acts of terrorism, and other violence.
“When people share this type of graphic content, it is often to condemn it. If it is being shared for sadistic pleasure or to celebrate violence, Facebook removes it.
“As part of our effort to combat the glorification of violence on Facebook, we are strengthening the enforcement of our policies.
“First, when we review content that is reported to us, we will take a more holistic look at the context surrounding a violent image or video, and will remove content that celebrates violence.
“Second, we will consider whether the person posting the content is sharing it responsibly, such as accompanying the video or image with a warning and sharing it with an age-appropriate audience.
“Based on these enhanced standards, we have re-examined recent reports of graphic content and have concluded that this content improperly and irresponsibly glorifies violence. For this reason, we have removed it.
“Going forward, we ask that people who share graphic content for the purpose of condemning it do so in a responsible manner, carefully selecting their audience and warning them about the nature of the content so they can make an informed choice about it.”
