Facebook takes down 1.5m copies of New Zealand attack video

Facebook has removed 1.5m versions of the New Zealand gunman's video footage
AFP/Getty Images
Asher McShane17 March 2019

Facebook has removed 1.5 million videos of the New Zealand terror attack.

The gunman live streamed footage of his horrific actions, with people across the globe condemning anyone who shared the footage.

Facebook, Twitter and YouTube owner Google were all criticised for not taking sufficient steps to block the circulation of the video yesterday.

The social media company today announced that it had removed 1.5m versions of the clip in the 24 hours after the shootings, 1.2 million of which were blocked at upload.

New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern hugs a mourner at a mosque in Wellington days after the shooting
Getty Images

Mia Garlick, of Facebook New Zealand, said: "We continue to work around the clock to remove violating content using a combination of technology and people.

"Out of respect for the people affected by this tragedy and the concerns of local authorities, we're also removing all edited versions of the video that do not show graphic content."

The gunman live-streamed 17 minutes of footage using an app designed for extreme sports enthusiasts, with copies still being shared on social media hours later.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid criticised social media companies for failing to do enough to stop the promotion of violent extremism.

“Take some ownership. Enough is enough,” he said.

Thousands of mourners gather at a cricket ground in memory of the victims
@BasinReserve

The death toll from the mosque shootings rose to 50 on Sunday, and police said 50 others had been injured in the attack.

It came as thousands of people gathered at a cricket ground in Wellington in memory of the victims.

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