“Facebook Jail Reform: Users to Receive Warnings Instead of Immediate Lockup for Rule Violations”
Under this new policy, Facebook will alert users with a warning for their first rule violation, instead of immediately restricting their posting privileges and sending them to Facebook jail. For minor violations, users will be given six strikes before facing a Facebook jail sentence, with access to some features being restricted after additional post removals.
However, more severe offenses, like terrorism or child exploitation, will still result in immediate restrictions, according to Monika Bickert, the Vice President of Content Policy at Facebook’s parent company, Meta Platforms.
How is Facebook Jail Changing and Why has it been Implemented?
Facebook Implements Fairer Penalty System for Rule Violations After Receiving Feedback from Auditors and Oversight Board
According to Monika Bickert, Facebook’s Vice President of Content Policy, the decision to implement a more lenient penalty system was based on feedback from external groups worldwide, as well as civil rights auditors and the Oversight Board. These groups consistently called for a fairer and more proportionate approach to the penalty system.
Facebook’s moderation systems have been criticized in the past for missing context and making poor decisions, despite the platform’s daily policing of billions of posts, photos, videos, and comments. Users have expressed frustration over being unfairly locked out of their accounts, communities, and businesses for extended periods.
Instead of solely focusing on policy violators, our examination of the data revealed that a majority of individuals who violated our policies did so unknowingly or due to a lack of understanding. In fact, our research found that nearly 80% of users with a minimal number of policy violations did not repeat their infractions in the subsequent 60 days. Therefore, there is ample opportunity for us to educate users and clarify our policies to prevent unintentional violations.
What happens when you are in Facebook jail?
Facebook jail is a term used to describe a temporary suspension of a user’s ability to post or comment on Facebook. During this time, the user is unable to engage in these activities for a set period of time, which can range from a day to several days or longer.
Facebook has a policy of not disclosing the details of its penalty system to prevent users from exploiting it. However, the company intends to provide users with additional information on the reasons for removing their posts.
The decision to educate and enhance users’ comprehension of policy guidelines is a result of acknowledging the intricacies involved in moderating content. According to Bickert, this strategy is targeted towards individuals who unintentionally violate policies and are unlikely to repeat their violations. By prioritizing education, Facebook aims to improve users’ understanding of policy boundaries.
What is the duration of a Facebook jail sentence?
Previously, Facebook would limit the ability of users to create content if they violated Community Standards, even if they had no prior record of infractions. However, Facebook has implemented a new system for administering jail sentences.
Under the new policy, users will receive Facebook jail sentences after accumulating a set number of strikes. When a user receives their seventh strike, they will be prohibited from posting and commenting on Facebook for one day. Upon receiving their eighth strike, they will face a three-day restriction. After accumulating nine strikes, users will be sentenced to a week in Facebook jail. For individuals with ten or more strikes, the sentence can last up to 30 days.
According to Bickert, Facebook may disable the accounts of users who continually post content that violates the company’s policies. The new system is designed to identify “persistent violators” more efficiently, and they may have their accounts disabled even earlier due to accumulating strikes more rapidly.
What are some tips to prevent getting restricted or banned on Facebook?
Facebook has introduced a feature where users will receive notifications in case their content is taken down or their account is restricted. Additionally, they can also view a record of their past violations in their Account Status. In case they believe that their content was removed incorrectly, they can inform Facebook through the app. If the content moderators agree, they will remove the strike.
