Facebook Criticized for Reversing Ban on Beheading Videos

Facebook has stirred up controversy with a recent decision to reverse its ban on videos that show beheadings.

Facebook banned such videos in May, when users complained that clips of decapitations could cause long-term psychological damage.

Now, the social network is playing the First Amendment card, claiming that users "should be free to watch and condemn such videos," BBC News reported. The company will also consider adding warnings to said videos.

Despite its decision to overturn the ban, the firm's terms and conditions page still denounces "photos or videos that glorify violence," adding that content containing nudity, drug use, or other graphic content is not allowed.

Facebook did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment. In a statement published by BBC News, however, the site defended its actions.

"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," a spokeswoman said.

In turn, people are sharing these videos on Facebook to condemn them, the company said. "If the video were being celebrated, or actions in it encouraged, our approach would be different."

There is no word on how Facebook will monitor the posted videos and comments. There is discussion, however, of including an advanced warning that the images people are about to see contain graphic content.

:story: PC Magazine