How Facebook Is Censoring Content
An internet-leaked document shows how Facebook is censoring what users can see, The Guardian reports.
The document shows what are the criteria on which Facebook assesses whether a post is racist, sexist, obscene, offensive, or supportive of terrorism. The social network moderators are overworked and have only a few moments to decide whether a post should be censored.
The newspaper has gotten over 100 inside documents that show the moderator's guidelines. Some of them turn out to be quite controversial. For example, it is allowed to leave videos showing abortions as long as there is no nudity. Video streaming is allowed, showing people's attempts to self-harm because the company does not want to punish or censor people in trouble.
The leak of information comes after a British MP said social media fail to deal with "toxic and hateful content." Facebook officials have said in anonymous interviews that the policies of moderation and censorship that the social network applies are "inconsistent" and "dubious".
Facebook has commented that it is very difficult to reach a balance and find consensus on which measures are right and which are excessive. "We have a large and diverse global user base and people have very different ideas about what is right. Wherever we set boundaries, there will always be gray areas. For example, the difference between satire, humor and inappropriate content is sometimes very small. It is very difficult to judge what can remain on the site and what is not, " said Monica Bikert, head of Facebook for the company's policy and measures.
Human rights defenders believe Facebook's policy has huge implications for freedom of speech. - Source
Image sources: 1,2
In the old days, a linux nerd like me could just hate Bill Gates for being so great at being evil. Now the evil is just like an ugly and vicious poppy-dog, that can't find out where to shit.
Don't get me started on Trump...
I deleted my facebook account last year, and it was so liberating.
What's dumb is that I can report a post for nudity when there are almost-naked people in it, but Facebook never actually removes the post, because they say it falls within community guidelines. However, since most people would change their stance to become anti-abortion if they actually watched a video showing such a cruel act, Facebook is suddenly very careful to ensure there's no nudity... What hypocrisy!
but it's for our own protection right? they only do it because they care right? im sorry i had the radio on all day and it seems to have clouded my judgement
Sure, Facebook only wants the best for its users.
Oh no! I just have forgotten about FB, and now you remember me again :)
Facebook has become little more than a ghetto of thought, an echo chamber for those that shout loudest.
Facebook is not freedom. It is a corporate entity that needs to make money any way possible without hurting its ability to make money.
If freedom of speech helped it to make money then it would allow it.
Fascism in its modern day form.
Facebook sucks.
I especially cheered at the wrap up statement: Human rights defenders believe Facebook's policy has huge implications for freedom of speech.