2 ms·

I think the issue raised here is that Facebook censors content according to rules based entirely on American values, while parading as some sort of global organ

by axlee 10y ago

I think the issue raised here is that Facebook censors content according to rules based entirely on American values, while parading as some sort of global organization, "connecting the world" type-of-thing. What is morally acceptable to see on a feed for an American is not the same for a Norwegian, a Japanese or a Sudanese. The author mentions sexuality/nudity content here, which is a blatant cultural difference between Europe and the US, but there are so many more regional variations among the hundred of countries where Facebook operates. Facebook is definitely entitled to censor content as they see fit, but we are also entitled to criticize their policy. Here, it seems that the main criticism is the americano-centric view of what is inadequate content. Maybe Facebook should look into developing local content rules instead of relying on a guideline written in California by Californians for Californians?

alistairSH 10y ago
Maybe Facebook should look into developing local content rules instead of relying on a guideline written in California by Californians for Californians? How would such a thing work? Would a user register as a resident of a particular country? Or, IP-based checks of location? I'm a Scot living in America, with Dutch friends - do I see the US, UK, or Euro content? Does the content I see (on the same feed) change based on which country I happen to be in today?
- axlee 10y ago
  I think a location-based policy at the time of posting is sensible. That's also how international law work: if I smoke a joint in Amsterdam, I am not liable for it back home. When in Rome... I also think that the policy should apply to the poster, not to the viewers. What makes our world great is its wide range of cultures, and we should not isolate ourselves in little silos. Conversely, we should not allow a single culture to dictate to everybody else what is acceptable or not. To be fair, I don't think any policy is necessary besides moderating and reporting illegal content. But since Facebook seems quite inclined to go the extra mile to make its platform less offensive, I think this would be a good compromise.

by axlee 10y ago

alistairSH 10y ago

Maybe Facebook should look into developing local content rules instead of relying on a guideline written in California by Californians for Californians? How would such a thing work? Would a user register as a resident of a particular country? Or, IP-based checks of location? I'm a Scot living in America, with Dutch friends - do I see the US, UK, or Euro content? Does the content I see (on the same feed) change based on which country I happen to be in today?

axlee 10y ago
I think a location-based policy at the time of posting is sensible. That's also how international law work: if I smoke a joint in Amsterdam, I am not liable for it back home. When in Rome... I also think that the policy should apply to the poster, not to the viewers. What makes our world great is its wide range of cultures, and we should not isolate ourselves in little silos. Conversely, we should not allow a single culture to dictate to everybody else what is acceptable or not. To be fair, I don't think any policy is necessary besides moderating and reporting illegal content. But since Facebook seems quite inclined to go the extra mile to make its platform less offensive, I think this would be a good compromise.