After what seemed like forever, Facebook has finally removed the gruesome video of a woman being decapitated by a man. The social network removed the controversial video on Tuesday as it seeks to strengthen its policies relating to posting of graphic content.
On Monday October 21, the BBC reported about a video that had been posted some time ago on Facebook. Although the video was extremely graphic, the social network allowed the video to stay up in keeping with its mission to be the social network that supports free expression. Another reason why Facebook kept the video going, was because the use of the video was to condemn the act rather than condone it, though that still doesn't make it right.
However, Facebook removed the video late Tuesday afternoon, following the backlash it got from the press and British Prime Minister, James Cameron via his Twitter account.
"It's irresponsible of Facebook to post beheading videos, especially without a warning. They must explain their actions to worried parents," Cameron said.
Facebook outlined its new policy in a press release:
"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," it said.
"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."
After the social network's new policy update, British Prime Minister David Cameron had the following to say via his Twitter account: "I'm pleased Facebook has changed its approach on beheading videos. The test is now to ensure their policy is robust in protecting children".
Despite Facebook's new stance, other decapitation videos could be found on the site without a warning message to sway users who are not interested in viewing such gruesome acts of violence.
