Facebook has a storied history censoring objectionable content but it seems that there may be a reverse on graphic content.
The social media giant will allow users to post violent images or videos, if the intent is to condemn. Sharing any graphic content for sadistic pleasure is prohibited. Groups with a record of violence or criminal activity are not allowed to maintain a presence on the site, however.
News comes as the BBC reported that Facebook had refused to remove a page showing a clip of a masked man brutally killing a woman believed to be filmed in Mexico. First posted last week under the title "Challenge: Anybody can watch this video?," the company later issued a statement.
"Facebook has long been a place where people turn to share their experiences particularly when they're connected to controversial events on the ground, such as human rights abuses, acts of terrorism and other violent events," a Facebook spokeswoman said. "However, since some people object to graphic video of this nature, we are working to give people additional control over the content they see.This may include warning them in advance that the image they are about to see contains graphic content."
A day after Facebook's change in policy, British Prime Minister David Cameron used Twitter to vent his disappointment.
"It's irresponsible of Facebook to post beheading videos, especially without warning," tweeted Cameron. "They must explain their actions to worried parents."
Facebook has also disabled ads from company's including car-sharing company Zipcar from appearing on the controversial video's page after complaints.
Also complaining against the world's biggest social network were the Family Online Safety Institute and South Australia Police (SAPOL). Director of SAPOL's media and public engagement department Shelaye Boothey told BBC that it understood Facebook's decision but urged those with issues to contact the social network directly.
"Ultimately this is a decision that Facebook is entitled to make, however anyone concerned with the publishing of the video should continue to express their concerns through the appropriate Facebook channel," Boothey.
