The Watershed Moment of Facebook Live: The Global Test and Its Implications on Graphic Content

In recent social events that have grabbed the headlines, the tragic shooting of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile has indeed shaken the United States. These two black men, according to the videos that the mainstream media has played repeatedly, were killed by police officers. The investigations into these deaths are currently underway, with statements from the US President condemning the violent acts. Further devastating news followed as five police officers were reported to have been killed by an individual seeking to avenge these deaths. Here at TechBooky, our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have lost their lives in these tragic events that have unfolded in less than 24 hours.

Amid this heart-rending situation, the power and implications of Facebook’s Live tool have been brought to the forefront. Diamond Reynolds, a Minnesota woman, managed to broadcast Live the entire incident concerning the shooting of her fiancé, Philando Castile, by a police officer. This distressing incident unfolded right before the eyes of her four-year-old daughter who was in the car’s backseat. The video, which has now gone viral with over 5.1 million views at the time of this report, has prompted widespread solidarity. However, Facebook’s decision to classify this video as graphic content, requiring users to consent before viewing, raises significant questions.

In a response to the event on Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg extended his heartfelt condolences to the Castile family and others who have experienced similar tragedies. He admitted the graphic and devastating nature of the images viewed this week, further recognizing the fear and concern they raise among millions of Facebook users. He added, “While I hope we never have to see another video like Diamond’s, it reminds us why coming together to build a more open and connected world is so important – and how