Facebook’s acceptable use policy outlines the rules and guidelines that users must follow when using the platform. This policy aims to foster an environment where people can Express themselves freely while still feeling safe. Understanding Facebook’s acceptable use policy is important for all users in order to avoid account suspensions or bans. Here we will explore what type of content and behavior is prohibited, how Facebook enforces its policy, and what users can do if they feel their account has been disabled unfairly.
What type of content is prohibited by Facebook’s acceptable use policy?
Facebook’s acceptable use policy prohibits certain types of content including:
- Graphic violence
- Adult nudity or sexual activity
- Hate speech
- Bullying and harassment
- Terrorist propaganda
- Spam
- Misinformation and fake news
More specifically, users cannot post depictions of violence against humans or animals except in limited cases of satire or condemnation. Any images containing exposed genitalia, female nipples, or close-ups of fully nude buttocks are prohibited. Speech attacking people based on protected characteristics like race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, religious affiliation, caste, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or serious disease is not allowed. Repeated unwanted messaging or intimidation tactics against an individual also goes against the acceptable use policy.
In addition, Facebook does not allow accounts depicting, praising or supporting terrorist organizations, acts of mass violence and hate crimes. Excessive posting of repetitive content to artificially inflate engagement is considered spam. Finally, misinformation related to civic processes, COVID-19, climate change and elections can also be removed.
How does Facebook enforce its acceptable use policy?
Facebook utilizes both human moderators and artificial intelligence to review posts and enforce its acceptable use policy. Users can report offensive content or profiles through Facebook’s reporting system.
Once reported, content is reviewed first by AI and then by human moderators if needed. AI helps Facebook scan for policy violations at scale but human reviewers provide nuance in evaluating contextual factors. Depending on the severity of the violation, Facebook may remove the content, disable accounts either temporarily or permanently, or issue a warning.
Appealing disabled or banned accounts
If users feel their account has been disabled unfairly, they can submit an appeal to Facebook through an online form. Users will be asked to provide info related to the disablement and any context around why the action may have been an error.
Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Reactivation will depend on the nature of the violation and a user’s history on Facebook. For some severe violations like terrorism or child exploitation, reactivation may not be possible.
Best practices for avoiding policy violations
Users can take proactive steps to ensure their content abides by Facebook’s acceptable use policy:
- Avoid posting graphic, explicit or illegal content
- Be mindful when posting about traumatic events
- Do not engage in hate speech or personal attacks against others
- Report offensive material when you see it
- Do not artificially inflate engagement with repetitive posts
- Fact check information and don’t contribute to the spread of misinformation
If users have questions about Facebook’s policies, they can visit the Community Standards site and Review the details around prohibited content and behavior. Being familiar with these guidelines can help prevent content from being removed or accounts from being banned.
Conclusion
Facebook’s acceptable use policy aims to create an environment where users feel safe and respected on the platform. By prohibiting content like graphic violence, adult nudity, hate speech and misinformation, Facebook hopes to avoid the spread of harmful or dangerous material. Understanding what type of content is prohibited and how the rules are enforced can help users ensure their posts comply with Facebook’s policy. Appeals are available for accounts disabled unfairly, but reactivation is not always possible depending on the violation. Avoiding policy violations in the first place is the best way for users to maintain access to Facebook. With knowledge of the guidelines and community standards, users can successfully navigate Facebook’s rules around acceptable use.
| Type of Prohibited Content | Examples |
|---|---|
| Graphic Violence | Depictions of violence against humans or animals except in limited cases of satire or condemnation |
| Adult Nudity | Images containing exposed genitalia, female nipples, or close-ups of fully nude buttocks |
| Hate Speech | Speech attacking people based on protected characteristics like race, ethnicity, disability, religious affiliation, sexual orientation |
| Harassment and Bullying | Repeated unwanted messaging or intimidation tactics against an individual |
| Terrorist Propaganda | Accounts depicting, praising or supporting terrorist organizations or acts of mass violence |
| Misinformation | False or misleading information related to elections, COVID-19, climate change |
| Spam | Excessive posting of repetitive content to artificially inflate engagement |
Enforcement Methods
- User reporting
- AI scanning of content
- Human content moderators
- Removing violating content
- Disabling accounts temporarily or permanently
- Issuing warnings
Best Practices for Avoiding Violations
- Avoid posting graphic, explicit or illegal content
- Be mindful when posting about traumatic events
- Do not engage in hate speech or personal attacks against others
- Report offensive material when you see it
- Do not artificially inflate engagement with repetitive posts
- Fact check information and don’t spread misinformation
- Review Facebook’s Community Standards for guidelines
Facebook’s acceptable use policy aims to foster an environment where people can express themselves freely while feeling safe. By prohibiting content like graphic violence, hate speech, and misinformation, Facebook attempts to avoid the spread of harmful or dangerous material. Understanding what type of content is prohibited and how the rules are enforced can help users comply with the policy. While accounts disabled unfairly can submit appeals, avoidance of violations is the best way to maintain access. With knowledge of Facebook’s guidelines, users can successfully navigate its rules around acceptable use.