Facebook – Beheading videos are OK, but naked female breasts are not?!

Graham Cluley
Graham Cluley
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Beheadings on FacebookFacebook believes, after implementing a temporary ban, that it’s okay for videos of people being beheaded to be posted and shared on its network.

That’s the discovery of the BBC, who were contacted by Facebook user who was disgusted that the social network refused to remove a page showing a video of a masked man decapitating a woman.

The gruesome clip was apparently posted under the title “Challenge: Anybody can watch this video?”

Back in May, Facebook banned violent video content, citing concerns about the psychological damage that could be done as it was shared across the social network.

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Something, however, seems to have changed minds at Facebook Towers.

In a statement to the BBC, Facebook confirmed that it was comfortable with the beheading video – believed to have been shot in Mexico – being shared on its site:

Facebook has long been a place where people turn to share their experiences, particularly when they’re connected to controversial events on the ground, such as human rights abuses, acts of terrorism and other violent events.

People are sharing this video on Facebook to condemn it. If the video were being celebrated, or the actions in it encouraged, our approach would be different.

However, since some people object to graphic video of this nature, we are working to give people additional control over the content they see. This may include warning them in advance that the image they are about to see contains graphic content.

However, don’t think that Facebook doesn’t have any morals!

Oh no, its terms & conditions draws the line at women’s breasts.

Facebook boob policy

The only boob that I can see is the twit at Facebook who believes it’s worse for someone to see a picture of a naked female breast than to see a video of a person being beheaded.

Facebook – you are seriously screwed up.

If you can still bear to be on Facebook, and want to be kept updated with news about security and privacy risks, and tips on how to protect yourself online, join the Graham Cluley Security News Facebook page.


Graham Cluley is an award-winning keynote speaker who has given presentations around the world about cybersecurity, hackers, and online privacy. A veteran of the computer security industry since the early 1990s, he wrote the first ever version of Dr Solomon's Anti-Virus Toolkit for Windows, makes regular media appearances, and is the co-host of the popular "Smashing Security" podcast. Follow him on Twitter, Mastodon, Threads, Bluesky, or drop him an email.

2 comments on “Facebook – Beheading videos are OK, but naked female breasts are not?!”

  1. Do a search for Facebook Beheading and you'll find an actual one (or purporting to be – didn't click) on the front page of the google results. I almost find this more shocking…

  2. Sarah Willans

    So if I made a video opposing breastfeeding on the grounds
    that it causes distress to the sort of people who don't
    want to see breasts on Facebook, then, I could show exposed breasts
    in it (to illustrate the true horror of the situation) AND POST IT
    ON FACEBOOK! Who's up for giving it a try?

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