Facebook rejects calls over ‘neknomination’ videos

Facebook has rejected calls for it to remove pages and videos linked to the ‘neknomination’ drinking craze.

Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte called on the social media giant to take action after hitting out at what he called a “stupid and silly game” which had “tragic consequences”.

“Firstly the responsibility is with young people who are falling for a foolish and stupid ruse that can have devastating consequences... but it would be helpful if Facebook agreed to take down pages which promote a stupid and silly phenomenon,” he said.

Mr Rabbitte’s call came as youth groups, politicians, and health professionals all spoke out against the controversial drinking game which has spread across the world on social media.

At the weekend, Carlow teenager Jonny Byrne drowned after taking part in the stunt which sees people being challenged to post a video online of themselves downing drinks in one go, then nominating others to do the same inside 24 hours.

But despite mounting pressure, Facebook has declined to remove any of the content relating to the game stating it does not breach its rules on harmful content.

“At Facebook we try to be a platform where people can share freely whilst still protecting the rights of others. We do not tolerate content which is directly harmful, for example bullying, but controversial or offensive behaviour is not necessarily against our rules.

“We encourage people to report things to us which they feel breaks our rules so we can review and take action on a case-by-case basis. We also give people the ability to remove themselves from an uncomfortable conversation through tools such as untagging and blocking,” said a spokesperson.

The social media giant said the neknomination craze was not unique to its site but advised users that they could hide, block, remove or report messages or activity they found offensive. Facebook said it defined harmful content as anything organising real world violence, theft, or property destruction or that directly inflicts emotional distress on an individual.

Mr Byrne’s family have been leading calls for Facebook to remove the pages, with the teenager’s father Joe pleading with young people to stop participating in the game.

“I’m pleading to every youngster to think of the things they’re doing. It has cost my son his life. The whole family is devastated and our lives will never be the same again. I hope this message is heeded because for us, life is virtually over.”

Mr Byrne’s brother Patrick told BBC radio that he believed neknomination was a “form of bullying”.

“A guy who turned down a challenge last week was called a chicken and a coward. Basically, what it has turned into now is a bullying competition.”