By Leo Kelion Technology reporter
Facebook is allowing videos showing people being decapitated to be posted and shared on its site once again.
The social network had introduced a temporary ban in May following complaints that the clips could cause long-term psychological damage.
The US firm confirmed it now believed its users should be free to watch and condemn such videos. It added it was, however, considering adding warnings.
One suicide prevention charity condemned the move.
"It only takes seconds of exposure to such graphic material to leave a permanent trace - particularly in a young person's mind," said Dr Arthur Cassidy, a former psychologist who runs a branch of the Yellow Ribbon Program in Northern Ireland.
"The more graphic and colourful the material is, the more psychologically destructive it becomes."
Two of the firm's official safety advisers have also criticised the decision.
Facebook allows anyone aged 13 and above to be a member.
Its terms and conditions now state that it will remove photos or videos that "glorify violence" in addition to other banned material, including a woman's "fully exposed breast".
Decapitation videos are available elsewhere on the net - including on
Google's YouTube - but critics have raised concern that Facebook's news
feeds and other sharing functions mean it is particularly adept at
spreading such material.
Excerpt from www.bbc.co.uk
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