Facebook is making some changes to its censorship policy to allow some stories and images that were earlier not permitted on the platform, notes a report from Daily Caller. This change comes a few days after the news that CEO Mark Zuckerberg was involved in WikiLeaks hacked John Podesta emails.
Facebook gets liberal with its censorship policy
In a joint blog release, Facebook Vice Presidents Joel Kaplan and Justin Osofsky said the reason behind the change is the feedback they are receiving from their community and partners. The joint blog also said the change are regarding the “kinds of images and stories permitted on Facebook.”
“In the weeks ahead, we’re going to begin allowing more items that people find newsworthy, significant, or important to the public interest — even if they might otherwise violate our standards,” the blog post read.
Facebook’s announcement is seen as part of its new public relations approach.
[drizzle]According to the Daily Caller, it’s in response to their October 19 report that about revelations WikiLeaks made. In the report, the Daily Caller wrote in detail about the close relationship that Zuckerberg had with Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta. It also talked about the request from Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, who sought direction and “next steps” for Zuckerberg.
Sandberg wrote that Zuckerberg wants to support his philanthropic priorities and is keenly interested in meeting people who would offer him guidance on “how to move the needle on the specific public policy issues he cares most about.”
Facebook employees received a memo from Zuckerberg on October 19, the same day on which the Daily Caller published the WikiLeaks story. The memo defended Peter Thiel, the Facebook board member who supports Trump, and also outlined the start of Facebook’s policy change taking shape.
Facebook allows breast cancer awareness ad after initially blocking it
Meanwhile a Swedish cancer charity named Cancerfonden recently posted an informational ad on Facebook with a title “Get to know your breasts.” It featured pink cartoon circles to symbolize breasts. Within a few days, Facebook removed the post.
The charity foundation issued an open letter to the social network clarifying that the purpose of the ad was to disseminate important information about cancer. Cancerfonden’s communications director, Lena Biornstad, said it was incomprehensible and strange that medical information is perceived as offensive by someone.
Later, the social network made a formal apology for blocking the ad and allowed it on its network.
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