Facebook Warns Young Viewers of Violent Videos

Facebook has started adding alert messages to violent content shared via its network after news reports of policeman shot dead in Paris went viral, according to the BBC.

The new alerts are meant to prevent people under the age of 18 from viewing violent images such as murders shown in documentaries or news reports. Unlike other clips, they prevent the videos from automatically playing in feeds unless clicked.

When people share things on Facebook, we expect that they will share it responsibly, including choosing who will see that content,” Facebook writes on its Community Standards page. “However, graphic images shared for sadistic effect or to celebrate or glorify violence have no place on our site.”

“In instances when people report graphic content to us that should include warnings or is not appropriate for people under the age of 18, we may add a warning for adults and prevent young people from viewing the content,” the company adds.

The decision follows pressure from both critics and Facebook`s safety advisors after graphic videos showing beheadings of hostages were displayed to users under 18.

Future protective measures may include warnings on YouTube videos and distressing photos, Facebook announced.