Facebook is now restricting extreme and violent content in feeds by posting warnings and preventing minors from seeing certain videos.
The social network has never permitted material that may “glorify violence,” but generally allowed news and documentary images depicting executions and other brutality in the interests of free speech.
However, following pressure from advisers, it elected to roll out warnings for such videos and disable the usual auto-play option. One of the first videos to get one was the violent execution of a policeman who responded to calls at the terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo.
The trade body for advertisers ISBA welcomes their continued efforts to listen to users’ and advertisers’ concerns and act decisively.
Brand safety is a major concern for advertisers and ISBA has facilitated conversations about ads appearing next to inappropriate content between its members (advertisers) and Facebook.
Over the last few years, advertisers have faced brand safety issues on Facebook, with their ads appearing next to videos showing graphic / extremist content. In 2013 Simon Milner, Policy Director, UK, Middle East & Africa, addressed members of ISBA’s Digital Action Group twice to discuss how Facebook could improve advertisers’ online brand safety.
David Ellison, ISBA’s Marketing Services Manager said: “This is definitely another step in the right direction. Restricting and placing clear warnings over videos which might ‘shock, offend and upset’ is welcomed by advertisers, who want to place their ads in safe environments. The last thing advertisers want is for their brands to be associated in any way with this type of content.
We applaud Facebook for their continued efforts to listen to users’ and advertisers’ concerns and act decisively. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Facebook to improve brand safety on their site even further.”