David Cameron criticises ‘irresponsible’ Facebook for allowing beheading videos

10 years ago | Posted in: Latest Politics News | 830 Views

David Cameron has branded Facebook ‘irresponsible’ for allowing users to upload and share gruesome videos showing people being decapitated.

The social network removed such clips earlier this year, following complaints, but has since decided to reverse the ban.

Mr Cameron called on the site to explain its ‘actions to worried parents’.

‘It’s irresponsible of Facebook to post beheading videos, especially without a warning,’ he tweeted this morning.

The firm’s controversial policy change was highlighted after it refused to remove a clip showing a masked man killing a woman, the BBC reports.

‘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,’ said a spokeswoman.

‘People are sharing this video on Facebook to condemn it. If the video were being celebrated, or the actions in it encouraged, our approach would be different.’

The social network said it would remove photos or videos that ‘glorify violence’ and was working to introduce warnings for videos containing graphic content.

 

Suicide prevention charity, the Yellow Ribbon Program in Northern Ireland, warned such videos could be ‘psychologically destructive’ for young viewers.

John Carr, a board member of the UK government’s council on Child Internet Safety, said the videos are ‘profoundly shocking’.

‘Facebook has taken leave of its senses. Those videos will fuel countless nightmares among the young and the sensitive,’ he added.

source: metro UK

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