What Exactly Is Facebook's Policy on Violent Videos?

A video showing a masked man beheading a woman reportedly in Mexico popped up on the social network last week. Facebook caused controversy Tuesday after telling the BBC News that it would remain on the site. "People are sharing this video on Facebook to condemn it. If the video were being celebrated, or the actions in it encouraged, our approach would be different," a company spokesperson told the BBC.

Multiple media outlets picked up the story, reporting that Facebook allows users to upload violent videos — including those depicting beheadings — at will.

The social network then removed the video on Tuesday night after releasing a blog post that explained its policy more clearly. When it comes to violent or graphic content that has been reported by users, Facebook will consider each report on a case-by-case basis, Facebook said.