Facebook Removes Swedish Cancer Society Breast Exam Images

As reported in The Guardian last week, Facebook removed a video posted by The Swedish Cancer Society which illustrated how to perform breast exams. Facebook said the video, which used concentric pink and red circles for breasts, was offensive and violated their rule which states that an ad “can not market sex products or services nor adults products or services.”

When the Society protested, Facebook apologized, saying, “…our team processes millions of advertising images each week, and in some instances we incorrectly prohibit ads. This image does not violate our ad policies.” They promised to repost the ads.

While the organization was happy for the restoration, they also wanted to make a point about how automated image processing can cause embarrassment and leave a mess for public relations teams to clean up. Instead of reposting the breast circles that were deemed offensive, the Society altered the pictures and made the breasts squares.

The video was followed by an open letter to Facebook, which said in part: “After trying to meet your control for several days without success, we have now come up with a solution that will hopefully make you happy: Two pink squares! This can not possibly offend you, or anyone. Now we can continue to spread our important breast school without upsetting you.”

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