Facebook campaign mother wins MP's backing
A mother's campaign to remove from Facebook a video that she says shows scenes of child abuse has won the backing of a local MP.
Suzie Parry, from Adfa, near Newtown, said the video, originating from Malaysia, has been shared by thousands of people.
The 26-year-old is now urging the website to take down the film and scrap its auto-play feature - which starts videos automatically.
Now she has received a letter of support from Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies.
Mrs Parry said: "Mr Davies has written to me and mentioned how this video has breached at least one Facebook standard and is 'deeply disturbing'.
"He has therefore written to Facebook outlining my concerns so I am really looking forward to Facebook's reply and thank Mr Davies for his help and support."
Mrs Parry added: "I am trying to get a video that shows graphic, distressing scenes of child abuse removed from Facebook one by one and to get the auto play video service removed.
"Despite me contacting Facebook over the matter they have not got back to me so I have launched a petition in the hope that the more people that sign it, the more we can help make Facebook a safer and more pleasant environment for our friends, family and children.
"The video shows scenes of child abuse. It was filmed by an individual concerned about a friend's treatment of her 10-month-old daughter in Malaysia.
"Apparently the matter was dealt with by the police in Malaysia, but a year late the video somehow appeared on Facebook. It is unclear how, but it has been shared thousands of times, appealing to people to help fine the mother.
"The video has many responses from people sickened by it but the individuals have good intentions.
"But what has concerned me is is why this video was ever allowed on Facebook in the first place. It is very disturbing and it seems unnecessary to be on the site."
Mrs Parry said she has contacted Facebook a number of times, but nothing has been done to remove it.
She added: "The video is very disturbing and upsetting many people, including children. There are safer ways of raising awareness.
"The video breaches Facebook community standards, including encouraging hate speech, and the legalities of sharing. I question why Facebook has not looked into this and removed it straight away.
"I am also worried that this video will get shared and into the wrong hands of people who may enjoy the abuse."
To sign the petition, visit: www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/facebook-remove-the-auto-play-app-and-remove-videos-of-child-abuse-from-facebook-one-by-one
