Facebook restricts videos and photos containing violent content.

(Baonghean.vn) - The social network Facebook has begun issuing warnings for uploaded video clips containing shocking, provocative, and violent content.

Video clips containing violence will be covered with a warning. Photo: BBC

These warnings are intended to prevent video clips from playing automatically without the viewer clicking on them, unlike other clips.

This website also aims to prevent users under 18 from viewing graphic clips and images with sensitive content.

This move was proposed by Facebook's cybersecurity consultants. However, according to a psychologist, this measure is insufficient to protect the younger and more vulnerable members of the social network.

One of the first types of content to be affected by this ban is files uploaded online that include footage of police officer Ahmed Merabet being shot dead by a terrorist during last week's attack in Paris.

The video clip showing police officer Ahmed Merabet being shot dead was one of the first to be affected. Photo: BBC

The word that was criticized

Facebook has faced criticism in recent years for allowing video clips and images designed to attract viewers.

Although this company still has guidelines prohibiting sadomasochistic content or content that promotes or incites violence, it allows news and documentary images depicting beheadings or other forms of murder despite the risks involved.

This company also prohibits children under 13 from registering as members. However, even children under the prohibited age have managed to join by providing false information.

Last August, a controversy over the dissemination of images of decapitated heads in Syria prompted the Family Protection Institute (Fosi)—a member of Facebook's cybersecurity advisory council—to demand that the network change its operating practices.

Stephen Balkam, the institute's chief executive, told a BBC reporter that he wants to block access to such sites without warning and that an age restriction system is needed to make it difficult for members under 18 to find such content.

Facebook has previously opposed demands to censor violent videos. (Image: BBC)

Towards progress

Facebook has now confirmed that it is implementing a plan outlined last December that will provide warnings to help users identify irresponsible content.

A Facebook spokesperson told the BBC that, “When people share something on Facebook, we expect them to share responsibly, which includes choosing who sees the content they share. We also ask people to warn viewers what they will see if the images they share contain sensitive content. In cases where the person posting the content asks us to help warn or block viewers under 18, we may add a warning that the content is for adults only.”

A Facebook spokesperson also added that the company's experts are still working to make this solution even better.

According to Balkam, director of the Fosi Institute, this is a positive move by Facebook.

This social network began experimenting with adding warnings to beheading videos in November 2013 after British Prime Minister David Cameron stated that "Facebook is irresponsible to post images of beheadings, especially without any warnings."

Huong Giang

(According to BBC)