Facebook ‘Exploring Restrictions’ For Live Video

Footage of the deadly terror attack in Christchurch, New Zealand was streamed live on Facebook two weeks ago. There have been a lot of questions since then about the reaction to that from social media platforms like Facebook. The company’s chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg has written a letter to the NZ Herald highlighting some of the actions that Facebook will take going forward. The letter mentions that the company is “exploring restrictions” on live video.

Sandberg writes that Facebook has heard feedback that it must do more and that it agrees. Facebook is thus taking three steps which include strengthening rules for using Facebook Live, taking additional steps to counter hate on the platform, and supporting the affected community.

She adds that Facebook is exploring restrictions on “who can go Live depending on factors such as prior Community Standard violations.” She added that Facebook is also investing in search to build better technology that can quickly identify edited versions of violent videos and images so that such content can’t be reshared on the platform.

Facebook is also taking stronger steps to remove hate on its platforms. The shootings have been designated as terror attacks so any praise, support, and representation of the events will be in violation of its Community Standards and will not be permitted on Facebook. The company is also providing support to four local well-being and mental health organizations in New Zealand to raise awareness about their services within the country.

Adnan Farooqui
Categories: Web
Tags: Facebook