Facebook to delete beheading videos shared by members

Image
AFP San Francisco
Last Updated : May 02 2013 | 1:00 PM IST
Facebook has said it will delete beheading videos being shared at the leading social network as it re-evaluates its policy regarding whether such content is acceptable.
The move came as a reversal for Facebook, which had been responding to complaints by refusing to intervene since the clips didn't violate the social network's policy because they were being shared to condemn decapitations.
Facebook had equated sharing of the video at the social network to news organisations that broadcast graphic scenes to bring attention to and rally sentiment against violent acts.
"We will remove instances of these videos that are reported to us while we evaluate our policy and approach to this type of content," Facebook said in an email response to an AFP inquiry yesterday.
The turn-about reportedly came after the California-based social network's safety advisory board criticised the decision to leave the gruesome clips up at the website.
The controversy centered on two videos that appeared to have been made in Mexico, and weapons used to behead victims included a chain saw and a knife, according to online reports.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: May 02 2013 | 1:00 PM IST

Next Story