Facebook finally acknowledges that some newsworthy content is NSFW

Facebook has finally caved in on its censorship of NSFW content, even when it is incontrovertibly newsworthy and significant. Facebook has announced it will begin showing content on its site even if it breaks the rules as long as it is “significant” or “important”.

Moving forward, Facebook will work with its partners and community to decide what is deemed significant and important. But it only takes a quick look at recent scandals to see why Facebook has finally decided to loosen its iron grip on what is publishable.

The Facebook live video of Philando Castile’s shooting obviously resonates here as one of the most significant live streams in memory. Facebook came under scrutiny for removing the video and later reinstated it due to its significance for public debate.

Facebook also copped flak for removing the historical Vietnam War-era “Napalm girl” photo because it exhibited nudity. That said, Facebook intends to “allow more images and stories without posing safety risks or showing graphic images to minors and others who do not want to see them”.

Do you think this is a positive move? Or is Facebook’s censorship a good thing?