Facebook urged to rethink violent videos policy

Some Facebook users have previously expressed offence at videos of beheadings and other violence. Credit: PA

David Cameron branded Facebook as 'irresponsible' after it lifted a ban on users posting violent videos including beheadings.

The social networking site reversed an earlier ban, claiming users should be free to watch and condemn them.

A statement said: "People share videos of these events on Facebook to condemn them. If they were being celebrated, or the actions in them encouraged, our approach would be different".

But the Prime Minister insisted Facebook needs to justify that decision to worried parents.

ITV News' Consumer editor Chris Choi reports:

Stephen Balkam, who works for the Family Online Safety Institute and is a member of the Facebook safety advisory board, urged the company to rethink the change in its policy.

He told Sky News: "They have some very strict rules about nudity, about sex and even about violence too.

"I just think in this case they really need to rethink how they use and how they adopt their own policies."

Meanwhile, free speech pressure group Index on Censorship said Facebook's decision is "part of a much wider debate" on moderating hosted content.

Sean Gallagher said: "Films about beheadings may be deeply upsetting and offensive but they do expose the reality of violent acts that are taking place in the world today.

"When trying to draw a line about what should or shouldn't be allowed, it's important to look at context, not just content".