Facebook is the most popular social media platform in the world. And while much of the content on Facebook is safe, there may be a time when a Facebook connection steps over the line and posts spam or something inappropriate.
If you come across this type of content, here’s all you need to know about how to report a post or profile…
Why Would Someone Report a Post on Facebook?
Facebook, like Twitter, prides itself on being an open platform for freedom of speech. However, there are still topics and content that are off-limits.
There are multiple violations of Facebook’s Community Standards that can get a user in hot water.
These include:
- Impersonation.
- Posts that are made to threaten, exclude, or intimidate someone else.
- The non-consensual posting of private and identifying information of other people (i.e. doxxing).
- Violent posts and terrorist threats.
- Organized hate.
- Human trafficking.
- Organized violence or criminal activity.
- The incitement of criminal activity.
- The sale of controlled goods.
- Fraud.
- Bullying.
- Posts glorifying self-harm.
- Sexual exploitation.
If you see a post violating any of these rules, it’s wise to report it. You may assume that it has been reported already but it’s possible that it hasn’t. This way, the post is more likely to reach the attention of Facebook’s moderators.
If you use Twitter and are curious about its rules of conduct and how to report a post or account, check out this article about how to report a post or account on Twitter.
How to Report a Facebook Post
If you see a post that violates Facebook’s Community Standards, you can report it quickly and easily.
This would be an appropriate action if you see the post in a Facebook group or on a Page, or if the person who has shared the offending post usually follows the rules and the rest of their profile follows the Community Standards.
To report a Facebook post or picture:
- Open the post or photo you want to report.
- Select the three dots in the upper right corner.
- Tap on the Find Support or Report Photo/Post option.
- Continue through the next two prompts, selecting the reasons why you are reporting the Facebook post or photo.
This will submit a report to Facebook, whose moderation teams will evaluate the post.
How to Report a Facebook Profile
Reporting a Facebook profile for inappropriate content is the best course of action if you notice this person is not who they say they are or the account is constantly sharing spam or abusive content.
Before reporting the profile, make sure you analyze the situation to ensure that you’re making the right decision.
To report a profile on Facebook:
- Go to the three dots to the right of the Message button and phone icon.
- Select Find Support or Report Profile.
- Continue through the next two prompts, selecting the reasons why you are reporting the Facebook profile.
After you report the profile, you will not receive an automatic response. The Facebook team could take several days to analyze the profile and send you a decision on your report.
What Happens When You Report Facebook Content?
If you report a post or profile on Facebook and the post is removed or the profile is suspended, your personal information will be kept confidential. The person who you reported to Facebook will not know it was you.
When Facebook reviews your report, it will decide if the post or profile goes against its Community Standards. It will only take action if the person has broken a rule.
Keep in mind that you may see something you don’t like on Facebook, but this doesn’t mean that it has violated Facebook’s rules.
Alternatives to Reporting a Facebook Profile
When you see something you don’t like on Facebook, reporting the profile or post isn’t your only option. Facebook has alternatives to reporting content such as unfollowing, muting, and even blocking a profile. This way you only have to see what—or who you want on Facebook.
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