Facebook Removes Decapitation Video after Backlash

After the largest social network was criticized by David Cameron for lifting the ban on violent films, Facebook decided to change its approach. Prime Minister David Cameron had dubbed the social media giant as ‘irresponsible’ because it had posted videos that depicted beheadings. The issue had been ‘reexamined’ by Facebook, after which it had concluded that video showing beheading and decapitation glorified violence in an improper and irresponsible manner. Moreover, the social network also asserted that it would strengthen the enforcement of policies that were concerned with the removal of posts, which celebrated violence and also to check if graphic content and similar videos were shared in a responsible manner or not.

This includes giving warnings to users about their content or prohibiting underage viewers to access such content. The move was greatly welcomed by Mr. Cameron, but he also added that he would be waiting to see if this tactic was good enough to ensure that children were being protected against exposure to such gory movies and videos. He had conveyed this message via Twitter. A storm had been sparked by social network Facebook when it had temporarily decided to lift a ban that had been imposed on videos of beheading in May. The social media giant had used the excuse that its website was used by people worldwide for sharing events that happened in different areas.

A video that had shown the beheading of a video by a Mexican drug cartel had sparked such response from the people. But, it had been removed now. The company also mentioned that it would be removing all posts and images concerned with beheading, but has been advised by the critics to rethink their decision. Mr. Cameron said that it was irresponsible on the part of the social network to post such content without giving any warning or assuring parents. Now, Facebook has clarified its policy. It said that content was shared by people for the purpose of raising awareness amongst others.

It asserted that this awareness involved sharing images and videos about different acts of violence and terrorism and the primary purpose is to condemn these acts. The social network doesn’t allow people to post such content for the purpose of celebrating it or for getting sadistic pleasure. Therefore, in order to combat this rising glorification of such contemptible and violent content, Facebook is attempting to strengthen its policies. The social network outlined that it reviews content when it’s reported and takes a very close look at the context that surrounds an image or video. If it has a negative impact, the said content is removed.

The network also said that they also checked that whether the person sharing such content was being responsible or not. This refers to the fact if warnings are being provided with the content and an age-appropriate audience is mentioned. Based on these standards, reports of graphic content have been reexamined and concluded that it is celebrating violence. This has led to its removal from the social network.

Changes Expected in Facebook’s Redesigned News Feed

Facebook Inc. is a public company, which is the owner of the most popular social media network of the world. Today, the largest social network that exists is Facebook, which is said to have more than one billion registered users spread out in all parts of the globe. This social network was launched in February of 2004 by a bunch of college students, Mark Zuckerberg and his friends. Initially, it was restricted to Harvard students only, but it greater expanded to various other colleges and then eventually to the public. Last year, the company finally went public. The social network has changed considerably since it was launched.

Enhancements and improvements have been made to its layout and overall design. It can now be accessed via mobile application as well. Recently, the company announced that the design and layout of the news feed would be changing. News feed is one of the most important pillars of the social networking website. The news feed will be revamped by the company and posts will be filtered into various strands. Instead of the single feed that exists now, there will be multiple feeds that divide the content users see such as music and photos. The feed has mostly remained unchanged since 2009.

Now, however, according to reports, larger images will be an integral part of the change. At present, only a thumbnail picture of the business, group or individual who posted is available in the news feed features update. Separate feeds are also offered, but the problem is that they are not very easy to locate. For instance, in the apps section in the side bar, it is possible to find the music feed. However, it is mostly filled with music that friends are listening to. Insiders have revealed that users will be able to alternate between feeds by tabs below the search box, which are being incorporated in the new design.

The purpose of the revamping of the news feed is to satisfy the insatiable desire that people all over the globe seem to have for the largest social network. People will devote even more hours to logging onto Facebook if there are more lists for them to sort through. Another benefit of the redesign is that the bigger pictures will also be more of a lure to advertisers. Moreover, with multiple feeds, it would mean that the sponsored stories will have more room to spread out.

The newsfeed has come at a very crucial and testing time for the social network. It recently announced that teenagers were gradually getting bored with Facebook. The company feels that its long term business could be affected because its facing competition from ‘cooler’ apps like Instagram and Snapchat. As the social network is approaching its 10^th anniversary, it revealed its annual report in which it was highlighted that teenagers and youngsters are giving up on the multi-billion dollar business. The revamping is just part of the strategy of the social network to draw youngsters again towards the social network by satisfying their interests more efficiently.