Facebook restores charity breast cancer awareness video after nudity concerns
Cancer Focus Northern Ireland's boss Roisin Foster had been left baffled by the ban as the video used a plastic model.
Monday 30 September 2019 19:36, UK
Facebook has apologised for mistakenly taking down a breast cancer educational video over nudity claims.
Cancer Focus Northern Ireland created a video showing women how to check their breasts, using a plastic model, with an infographic displaying signs and symptoms.
It was presented by broadcaster Rebecca McKinney and launched in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
But the video was taken down by Facebook, with the firm saying: "Some audiences are sensitive to different things when it comes to nudity."
The social media giant has since released a statement, explaining: "Cancer Network Northern Ireland's post was removed by mistake and has been restored to the page.
"Whilst adult nudity is not allowed on Facebook, we do make exceptions for posts which are shared for educational or medical reasons, or to raise awareness for causes such as breast cancer awareness.
"We're sorry for the inconvenience caused."
Roisin Foster, chief executive of Cancer Focus NI, said: "It isn't quite accurate to say that the video was removed in error as it didn't appear on Facebook when we tried to post it and it was also turned down as a paid for advert.
"Facebook informed us that the video didn't meet their standards.
"It's a pity we had to go to these lengths to ensure the video was publicised.
"However, we are delighted that Facebook has seen sense, changed their mind and has posted what is a professionally made, educational and tasteful video.
"We hope that it will be widely viewed and be of real use to thousands of women."
Before it was restored, she had said: "I am completely baffled by this decision by Facebook.
"All we are trying to do is educate women about how to check themselves, raise awareness of the signs and symptoms and raise money for support for younger women with breast cancer.
"We know anecdotally that many women aren't aware of all the signs of breast cancer apart from finding a lump. Nor are they sure how to check themselves or how often."
She said one in 10 women in Northern Ireland gets breast cancer, and it was essential the message of checking for signs and symptoms was spread.
Ms Foster said it had been an "inoffensive, tasteful and educational" video.
The host, Ms McKinney, added: "Before getting involved in this campaign I didn't check my breasts but I've since learned how crucial it is for early detection. Women need to check their breasts regularly to get to 'know their normal'.
"This is an excellent awareness campaign as well as a fundraiser for an extremely important cause and I'm so proud to be an ambassador."