By LAJU ARENYEKA

There is hardly any fear that millions of kids, thirteen and above who use facebook will stumble across pornographic content. However, recent developments show that users of the world’s number one social media network will not be protected from videos portraying beheadings, executions and other forms of violence.

From the Prime Minister of Britain to the average Nigerian, facebook has come under heavy criticism for lifting a ban on graphically violent photographs and videos on the site. But there are two sides to it. While critics allege that such videos and photographs could possibly expose children, who are the bulk of Facebook’s subscribers to violence, the social network however argue that leaving such videos out would undermine its responsibilities to bare such bizarre acts and expose their perpetrators to condemnation.

Facebook insisted videos showing beheadings will be allowed as long as the content is posted to condemn the acts, rather than to celebrate or promote them. It also indicated that it could introduce warnings for viewers about graphic content but reminded that the website should be a place where people could share their experiences about controversial events.

Facebook introduced a temporary ban on such videos in May but has since decided to remove the block on the grounds that the site is used to share information about world events. A spokeswoman for the website said: “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.”

The change in policy became a public debate since last week when a user who told newsmen in the United Kingdom that Facebook was refusing to remove a page showing a clip of a masked man killing a woman, which is believed to have been filmed in Mexico. The post was titled Challenge: Anybody can watch this video?

Although the social network earlier confirmed it was allowing such material to be posted again, it however removed the video as a result of massive outcry from the public. Yet it’s subsequent statements do not show it could go back on its decision. In a statement, Facebook explained: “When we review content that is reported to us, we will take a more holistic look at the context surrounding a violent image or video.

Second, we will consider whether the person posting the content is sharing it responsibly, such as accompanying the video or image with a warning and sharing it with an age-appropriate audience. Based on these enhanced standards, we have re-examined recent reports of graphic content and have concluded that this content improperly and irresponsibly glorifies violence. For this reason, we have removed it.”

The irony of the whole argument is that both sides are defending public good. But the dilemma is if facebook is made to face the book for such videos, perpetrators of such obnoxious acts may hardly face the book. However, anything otherwise, may also impact wrongfully on the youths and create damaging effects we may find difficult to resolve in the future.

Now, the problem is how to strike a balance! What do you think?