Facebook has started offering warnings regarding certain videos and photos posted on its service. The new warnings tell viewers that certain content is likely to “shock, offend and upset”.
The video clips in question will only play if the user decides to go ahead and click on them, whereas videos with no offensive content play automatically. Changes to the service mean that graphic photos and content cannot be seen if the user has told Facebook that they are under 18 years of age. The move comes after pressure from Facebook’s own safety advisors.
Some experts claim that Facebook still need to do more to protect young, vulnerable Facebookers from graphic content. Videos featuring policeman Ahmed Merabet being shot dead after the Charlie Hebdo attacks are amongst the first to have warnings attached to them.
Facebook has landed in hot water on various occasions over the past few years for allowing many high-profile graphic images to be posted on its site, although it claims to ban content that “glorifies violence”. Nonetheless, it has allowed many images that could be seen as distressing to stay on the site – including footage of beheadings. Though the service bans users aged under 13, many young members sign up by simply giving a false date of birth. Some claim that the easily availability of gruesome images can lead to Facebook users engaging in violent behaviour themselves.
What do you think about the new restrictions? Should violent photos and videos be allowed on Facebook at all? Let us know below.