Facebook introduces new rules for livestreaming after Christchurch shoo

Representational image

Facebook is introducing new rules for its live streaming feature, in response to the deadly terrorist attack in New Zealand that was broadcasted live on the social media platform.

In a blog post published on Tuesday, Facebook announced that it will temporarily restrict users from using its live feature if they break its "most serious policies". The post does not specify these rules but points to the "current community standards" that prohibit spreading terrorist propaganda on the social network.

A Facebook spokesperson told CNN that under the new policy, the alleged Christchurch shooter would not have been able to live stream the March 15 massacre. The statement implies that the alleged shooter had previously broken the Facebook community standards.

The company also announced that it will invest USD 7.5 million in a research partnership with universities that would study ways to improve the existing image and video analysis technology.

Following the Christchurch terror attack, some users had modified the gunman's video footage to avoid detection in order to report it after it had been taken down. Facebook and some other social media companies were heavily criticised for failing to curb the spread of that footage. More than a month after the shooting, its copies could still be found on major tech sites.

Tuesday's announcement by the social media giant comes ahead of a push by New Zealand and France to encourage tech companies and countries to work together in the effort to limit the spread of extremist content online.

The non-binding agreement, called the Christchurch Call, is expected to be announced on Wednesday at a meeting of digital leaders for the Group of Seven nations.

Top News Stories Of The Day

• Mumbai police probe Aditya Pancholi for 'assault and exploitation'
• Sion Hospital rape: He threatened to strangle me to death, says victim
• Video of sickle brandishing 'dada' lands him in jail in Wakad
• Mumbai: Toy gun breaks off as caretaker tries to rob Malad businessmen
• Five years on, Mumbai University continues to use old, shabby library
• Mumbai recalls 'fine gentleman' Nazir Hoosein behind Liberty Cinema
• Carrom player accident: Dombivli residents want working traffic lights, dedicated cops
• Forced to leave Mumbai, Pandey now struggles as a tea-seller in Kashi
• New BMC chief Pravin Pardeshi brings engineers back from leave
• Mumbai: Charkop citizens protest BMC's tree 'trimming'
• Witness statements don't support Tanushree Dutta's sexual harassment story, says Mumbai cops
• Sleepless on SV Road: Mumbai Metro 2B din ruins nights of Santacruz residents
• Skymet: Below normal rainfall expected in monsoon, 15 per cent chance of drought
• Mumbai Crime: Nigerian duo arrested for stealing money from ATMs
• Body of unidentified woman found at Juhu Chowpatty

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get the latest updates

Edited by mid-day online desk with inputs from Agencies