What Does Reporting a Group on Facebook Mean?

By Carolyn Luck

Reported groups may be deleted by Facebook.
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In an effort to protect its members, Facebook includes a “Report” link next to virtually every item posted. From photos and ads to events and groups, members can blow the whistle on objectionable content. Rest assured that, although not every report leads to group deletion, member identity is always protected and groups found in violation must deal with negative consequences.

Reporting a Group

When you report a group, you’re alerting Facebook of some type of violation of the Terms of Use. If you find something group-related to be offensive, inappropriate or dangerous, you can let Facebook know by reporting it. Facebook reviews every report to determine when and if content violates Facebook Terms. Members should keep in mind that what some consider offensive might be considered artistic expression to others. Simply reporting something does not guarantee its immediate or eventual removal from the site. All reports remain confidential, which means that if you report a group, your identity will remain anonymous.

How to Report

To report a group, go to the group’s main page. Click the gear-shaped icon in the upper-right corner of the page. Select the “Report Group” option from the drop-down menu. Follow prompts in the resulting dialog box to describe the reason for your action. Select the link in the lower-left corner of the box if your intellectual property is being used without your consent. Once Facebook receives your report, corrective actions will be taken if the group is found to be in violation of Facebook’s Terms of Use.

Alternative Measures

Since reporting a group may not result in its removal, you have alternative options to shield yourself from objectionable content. If you’re a current member, you may leave the group. Click the gear-shaped icon in the upper-right corner of the group’s main page and select the “Leave Group” option that appears in the resulting drop-down menu. This will remove any group activity from your News Feed and prevent you from receiving future messages from the group. You can also send a message to the group’s admin addressing your concerns. While this will not guarantee the removal of the questionable content, it may certainly help since an admin has the ability to delete content as he or she sees fit.

Facebook Community Standards

When deciding whether to report a group, consider reading Facebook’s Community Standards. Facebook will remove content that contains violence or threats of violence to oneself or another. Such content may also be referred to local law enforcement and suicide prevention agencies, when necessary. Although members are encouraged to speak freely on matters and people of public interest, negative or threatening speech directed at an individual or group is not permitted. Facebook takes matters of bullying, harassment and hate speech very seriously. While graphic content, pornography and nudity are generally not permitted, there are times when such content is allowed as artistic expression or as a component of current events.

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