Facebook removes rape joke pages

Facebook has removed several pages containing rape jokes from its social network following criticism from victim support groups, but commentators warn that the move could be viewed as censorship.
The groups pages included such jokes as: "You know she's playing hard to get when you're chasing her down an alleyway."
Action was taken because the page administrators had not complied with Facebook's request to add tags to the pages stating they were humourous or satire, as stipulated in the terms and conditions.

Despite the removal, the pages could still remain if administrators add the necessary tags, reports BBC News.
Facebook said in a statement: "There is no place on Facebook for content that is hateful, threatening, or incites violence. We take reports of questionable and offensive content very seriously.
"However, we also want Facebook to be a place where people can openly discuss issues and express their views, while respecting the rights and feelings of others.
"Groups or pages that express an opinion on a state, institution, or set of beliefs - even if that opinion is outrageous or offensive to some - do not by themselves violate our policies. These online discussions are a reflection of those happening offline, where conversations happen freely."
Facebook was initially reluctant to intervene in the situation, saying: "Just as telling a rude joke won't get you thrown out of your local pub, it won't get you thrown off Facebook."
That led to pressure from campaign groups and also concern from businesses that their ads were being shown alongside the jokes.
Jane Osmond, from the advocacy website Women's Views On News, welcomed the removal of the pages, but urged Facebook to do more.
"Facebook's decision to take down the 'alleyway' page on November 4 is certainly worth celebrating," she said.
"But WVoN and the other campaign organisers are continuing to put pressure on Facebook to address the issue of other pages and posts that advocate sexual violence against women.
"Although its stated mission is to be a safe community where people can communicate and share ideas, it is marginalising women and rape survivors by failing to come out against this type of content."
However, media consultant Theresa Wise said that this was "a tricky line for Facebook to walk".
"The risk is that it becomes associated with such acts as the US government taking down Wikileaks or the Chinese restricting Google," she said.
"On the other hand its commercial revenues depend on it not being linked to publicly odious sentiments."