Are you sure? Facebook tackles graphic imagery by asking if users really want to see it
PUBLISHED : Thursday, 15 January, 2015, 12:45am
UPDATED : Thursday, 15 January, 2015, 12:45am
The Guardian
Facebook's 'Unlike' button.Photo: SCMP Pictures
Facebook has begun placing warning messages over videos and photos that it deems may contain graphic images that could "shock, offend and upset".
The move, which has been being rolled out since December, was confirmed by Facebook as a way to prevent potentially distressing videos from being viewed automatically.
Previously any such content would have auto-played on the site itself.
It follows pressure from both Facebook's internal and external safety advisers after graphic videos posted by terror groups showing beheadings of hostages and shocking propaganda were shown to users under 18 years old. Facebook allows children as young as 13 to join.
The graphic video warnings will requiring the users to click on the video to confirm that they still want to see it after being advised of the content.
Facebook's user terms and conditions state that content "shared for sadistic pleasure or to celebrate or glorify violence" is banned and will be removed without warning.
However, Facebook has faced continual criticism for allowing violent and graphic content to remain on the site because it deems it to be of public interest.
The social network permits videos and images from news reports and documentaries depicting abuse, murders and terrorist activities for instance.
"When people share things on Facebook, we expect they will share responsibly, including who will see that content," a Facebook spokesman said. "In instances when people report graphic content to us that should include warnings, or is not appropriate for people under the age of 18, we may add a warning for adults and prevent young people from viewing the content."
Critics may claim that this latest move blurs lines between publisher and service provider, where Facebook professing to be neutral and not responsible for user published content and merely a platform for that content, begins to monitor and filter content.
Additional reporting by Agence France-Presse
