Facebook Restricts Live-Streaming Features (See Why)

In a deliberate attempt to curb online violence, Facebook Inc says it is tightening rules around its live streaming feature ahead of a meeting of world leaders.

Naija News reports that the latest move by the online social media platform follows the aftermath of a massacre in New Zealand.

Facebook made this known in a statement where it said it was introducing a “one-strike” policy for use of Facebook Live, and temporarily restricting access for people who have faced disciplinary action for breaking the company’s most serious rules anywhere on its site.

The statement insinuated that First-time offenders will be suspended from using Live for a stated period of time.

Recall that a lone gunman killed 51 people at two mosques in the city of Christchurch on March 15 while live-streaming the attacks on Facebook.

It was New Zealand’s worst peacetime shooting and spurred calls for tech companies to do more to combat extremism on their services.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the change addressed a key component of an initiative, known as the “Christchurch Call”, she is spearheading to halt the spread of violence online.

“Facebook’s decision to put limits on livestreaming is a good first step to restrict the application being used as a tool for terrorists, and shows the Christchurch Call is being acted on,” she said in an email from her spokesman