I'm wrestling with something and I need your help.
When I logged into the group this morning I had to complete a security check (including giving Facebook my mobile number in order to enter a security code). I then had to review their 'community standards'.
It turns out that Facebook deleted a photograph I shared with the group yesterday. There was a (female) nipple visible in the breastfeeding picture (see below), and Facebook determined that it didn't meet their community standards. In the event that something like this happens again it's possible our group might be disabled temporarily. I honestly don't know what Facebook will do - I'm not sure they know either.
Although I personally feel that this is a matter of principle and we should not have to hide our breastfeeding photos (my thoughts on why are here), I also know that this group is important as a support network to many people, and therefore I feel I need to ask how YOU feel about this. I want to make it clear to you all that the photo which was deleted had not been shared using the DBM log-in anywhere else on Facebook, or indeed elsewhere on-line. Others may have shared it on, but I don't go around posting pictures anywhere that might invite trouble (not that it matters). The picture was only shared within the group and Facebook users would have to have come to our group to view it and report it.
Please also know that although the majority of photos which get deleted seem to have been 'flagged' by an individual, this doesn't mean that ALL pictures are flagged via the same process. Facebook have admitted to using skin-detection software - that's why in their Help Centre section on breastfeeding photos they say the pictures which are removed are 'almost exclusively' flagged by users, rather than 'exclusively flagged'.
Should we continue to allow breastfeeding images on DBM or should we toe the Facebook line? If we allow a site with nearly a billion users to censor breastfeeding images what message is that giving out? Do you feel that seeing nipple in a breastfeeding photo is TMI? Do you feel it's ok that a male nipple is allowable but a female one should remain covered? Do you trust FB to use good judgement when it comes to deleting photos/ banning individuals? Do you think these are the same standards which apply in other areas of the mainstream press and television (more on that is here)?
Please be assured that if anything did happen to our group, I would set up another support page as soon as possible and the information about how to find it would be posted here on this blog and on Twitter @bfdboobies
I would very much appreciate your input - please click on the link below to feed back.
Poll <<< click here
2.39pm GMT - Please note - as a result of posting the screenshot showing that fb had deleted the original photo, I am now blocked from posting content for 24 hours. This means I cannot repost your questions or moderate the wall. I will ask the other mods to do what they can until the ban is lifted. x
2.39pm GMT - Please note - as a result of posting the screenshot showing that fb had deleted the original photo, I am now blocked from posting content for 24 hours. This means I cannot repost your questions or moderate the wall. I will ask the other mods to do what they can until the ban is lifted. x
i think it a joke, there's nothing wrong with a picture of a breastfeeding mummy, in fact i think its a beautiful thing! i dont think its fair how often men have pictures of themselfs topless yet a women bf is found offensive! fb needs to sort it out!!!!
ReplyDeleteIts a difficult one. No one here would disagree that of course we should be able to share these pics but there has to be a decision made on what is more important. Is DBM here primarily to support and encourage breast feeding families, or families to be or is the primary function to educate, inform and fight for rights of those families in the face of inequality and ignorance. Of course it should be able to do both but in the face of threats to close down I personally think the former has to take priority. Its only through encouraging more members to groups like this that you develop the voting power to damage organisations or communities who dont respect what we stand for. If just one mother missed out on valuable help while the group was being reorganized after a forced closure would it be worth it?
DeleteI am getting so sick of FB and this BF photos issue! What can I do to help fight this? I have the most beautiful picture of me feeding LO when he was a few months old and would love to have it as my profile pic but am too scared I would be deleted as I would miss my mummy groups on FB too much X
ReplyDeleteMy guess is, you have a troll. Someone who has a point to prove about hating breastfeeding, or at least public breastfeeding, has become one of your members and is flagging all your pictures. :(
ReplyDeleteProblem is, you don't even have to be a member to flag a photo. FB isn't helping much though, since even on a bf group breastfeeding pics which show (what they deem to be) too much skin are not allowed. The possible 'troll' thing is secondary IMO. x
ReplyDeleteIsn't that an award winning Colors of Benetton ad from years and years ago? I remember seeing it in a magazine when I was young. If it was really an issue of print or media standards, surely award winning ads would fit the bill.
ReplyDeleteIt's just another example of the ridiculous inconsistency applied by fb to images they allow to be displayed.
you have my absolute support facebook is shocking!
ReplyDeleteShowing nipples in bf pics sits a.little uneasy with me only because I feel it plays into the hands of the ignorants who dislike bf in public. I do think fb are out if order removing a pic in a private group especially.
ReplyDeleteI can see your dilemma but if the group is removed on account of nipple pics perhaps lobbying to change fb rules would be more productive outside of the group setting where toeing the line in the short-term might be a plan???
What about all these girls who post half naked pics of themselves just for male attention? That seems to be ok... Breastfeeding is natural... I'm gonna be sick. I don't understand society.
ReplyDeleteshocking in the least totally vile behavior by Facebook....I don't honestly think deep down you need to be asking these questions..anyone with half a brain cell knows it isn't offensive. I feel sad you feel you have to ask this...however sadly you have. so out of polightness I shall of course reply. Of course it is NOT offensive to look at either a nipple or full breast of a breast feeding mother. People that find it so,in my mind have some deeply disturbing thoughts. Breasts are for feeding children. they are not sexual objects.Without them the human race would have died out long ago. This is totally rediclouse and of course you should not be censored. Keep going as you are my friend. you are doing a cracking job!is it worth trying to take this issue higher (forgive me if you have tried...im a busy mummy) Its like being bullied by fb almost. Anyway I could go on all day!please continue as you are. your doing a wonderful job!!x
ReplyDeleteI am a massive supporter of breastfeeding, but I think FB are right, they need to draw a line regarding nudity somewhere.
ReplyDeletefor this group I feel it is more in keeping with it's spirit to keep it open than to challenge the host's (facebook) standards
ReplyDeletethere are other groups doing the challenging & we can all join them too
Thank you for your blog. Just to update you, the NCT number is now 0300 330 0770 (option 1). (The charity had about 6 numbers for different services and decided it would be better to have just 1 number and then list options to choose from).
ReplyDeleteRegards
Maria, NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor
Alanthehat, I wasn't challenging the hosts standards and apologise if it appears I was. She wrote a really good blog post and made lots of valid points, but I think nudity in general should be limited on FB. Personally I don't want to see more frivolous pics of half naked girls who will rightly feel that if women are showing their breasts for feeding they should be able to show their breasts for fun, it's the flip side of the "why can't I show pics of me feeding when girls are showing pics of their breasts doing nothing" argument.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maria - I'll make those changes.
ReplyDelete