CPL reviewers get counselling

FACEBOOK’S Dublin moderators have to look at very graphic content, much of which remains online, the Channel 4 documentary shows.

Each moderator has at least three actions to do with content. They are told their options with such content is to ignore it, delete it, or mark it as disturbing. When something is marked as disturbing, a warning is added, which reads: This video may show violent or graphic content’.

Under 18s should not be able to view the content. But it remains on the site and freely available to anyone claiming to be over 18. Such content includes ‘imagery featuring mutilated people if it contains the following in a medical setting – dismemberment, visible internal organs, charred or burning people, victims of cannibalism and throat-slitting’.

Facebook make the point that the final decision, like in the case of people posting their intention to end their lives, does not rest with the CPL-led operation run on the platform’s behalf.

It states: ‘For specific, highly sensitive types of content such as child abuse, the final decisions are made by Facebook employees on our Community Operations teams.’ And it adds that for CPL employees contracted to work for Facebook, ‘this work can involve looking at very disturbing content’.

Facebook states: ‘It’s why all CPL employees working to review Facebook content are offered psychological help to ensure their wellbeing. The program at CPL – which was put together with input from psychologists – includes wellbeing training and pre-and post- support for training modules.’