Facebook Reverses Stance on Viral Violent Video ift.tt/16zb6gW Sometimes figuring out the fine line between free expression and overly objectionable content is harder than you’d think. Just ask Facebook, which on Tuesday reversed its stance on lifting a ban on a violent video circulating on its service. The original intent, it seemed, was to allow users on the network the ability to document events around the world, good or bad. Like Twitter, Facebook wants to be seen as a place for free expression, and in this case, initially according to Facebook, reposting a horrifying video of a woman being beheaded was a public effort to condemn the practice. However, 24 hours later and after constant assault from child protection and online safety organizations, Facebook has decided that it made a bad call. Below is the company’s statement in full: “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. Developing…
Posted on: Tue, 22 Oct 2013 23:06:25 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015