Can a User See Who Flagged Her Picture on Facebook?
By Carolyn Luck
Facebook members upload photos to connect with friends, express opinions and share newsworthy content on the social network. What some consider artful expression may be, to others, highly offensive. If, after reviewing Facebook’s Community Standards, you feel a photo crosses the line, you have the option to flag it for further review. Rest assured that the identities of members who flag are kept anonymous.
Anonymity
All reports submitted to Facebook remain anonymous. Each report is reviewed by Facebook to determine if and to what extent the content in question violates Facebook’s Terms of Use and Community Standards. If necessary, Facebook will contact the person responsible for the content regarding his failure to comply and the consequences, if any, he’ll be subject to. At no time during this process will Facebook reveal the identity of the member who initially flagged the photo. Simply reporting a photo to Facebook does not guarantee that it will be removed, however. Content must demonstrate a clear violation of terms; offending someone is not enough.
Statement of Rights and Responsibilities
According to Facebook's Statement of Rights and Responsibilities (link in Resources), members must not engage in any activity that involves bullying, graphic violence, pornography, spam, threats to oneself or others, or hate speech of any kind. All content, including status updates, videos, photos, comments and links, must comply. Facebook's Community Standards (also in Resources) offers a succinct explanation of unacceptable types of expression.
Reporting a Photo
Anonymously report a photo that violates Facebook’s Terms of Use by clicking the “Options” tab that appears in the lower-right corner of the photo. Select the “Report/Remove Tag” option from the drop-down menu. Select the option that best demonstrates your reason for flagging the photo. Choices include “I Don’t Like This Photo of Me,” “It’s Harassing Me or Someone I Know,” "I Think It Shouldn’t Be on Facebook” and “It’s Spam.” Or, select the “It’s Your Intellectual Property” link in the lower-left corner and follow prompts to contact the person who posted the photo for a resolution --which is not anonymous -- or go ahead and report it anonymously to Facebook.
Report Status
After you submit an anonymous report, you may be able to check the status of your report to see what actions, if any, Facebook has taken to address your concerns. Click the gear-shaped settings icon in the upper-right corner of any page. Select the “Account Settings” option from the drop-down list and click the “Support Dashboard” tab. You’ll see a list of reports you submitted, categorized as “Active,’” which have yet to be reviewed by Facebook, and “Reviewed.” Click the “Learn More” link beside any “Reviewed” report for an explanation of Facebook’s decision.
Additional Considerations
If you find a photo highly offensive and Facebook does not remove it from the site, you have several options. If you saw the photo posted in a group, you have the option to leave the group. If you’re no longer a member, you’ll stop receiving group notifications, including those related to the photo. You can also block the person who posted the photo, which allows you to anonymously cut all lines of communication with that person.
References
Writer Bio
Carolyn Luck has developed an extensive technical background in social media, online marketing, event planning, business development and small business management while serving as editor of "iMarketing Magazine." She has been published in "IPTV Magazine" and has contributed to many websites. Luck holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.