Facebook Indecisive on Violent Content

It all started in May of this year when Facebook users found a video uploaded to the social network, depicting an actual beheading. A temporary ban on graphic content was then imposed in May following complaints regarding a huge number offensive materials. Facebook also removed the reported videos and said it was reviewing its policy on this type of graphic content.

Recently the company started to relax its stance. Last week Facebook announced that they will allow violent content such as beheading to be published, provided the intent is to raise awareness rather than celebrate violence. As an example, a graphic video of a woman's beheading that sparked outrage this spring was originally removed from Facebook under the May ban. This video was then allowed to return to the site as the ban was lifted.

As one may expect, this turn of events did not sit right with the public. The change in policy, first reported by the BBC, drew a wave of protest from Facebook users and others on Twitter, and Facebook was forced to again revise it. 

In a statement Facebook talked about how the site welcomes people sharing their experiences and promoting awareness of world issues. This they say sometimes means that graphic videos or content is shared which highlight subjects pertaining to human rights violations or terrorism.

A spokesperson for Facebook said it will allow users to post violent videos that appear to condemn the actions depicted. "If the video were being celebrated, or the actions in it encouraged, our approach would be different," a spokesperson told CNNMoney.

This means that Facebook is are not really sure themselves how to react to this. A very recent video depicts a man beating his two daughters with an electrical wire as punishment for them twerking. To my knowledge, this video is still live, however to Facebooks defense, most of the comments concerning this are negative. The up-loader has yet to comment on this which to me indicates that he is not taking a stand against it. 

Facebook is right (in theory anyhow) not to play the judge on whats right and wrong, whats inhumane and whats graphical information. I do think that a inappropriate flag needs to be installed, something that clearly indicates for the user that the material is graphic and should be viewed with caution. If it still turns out to be just sadistic, then please go ahead and remove it.