New anti-racism rules of use
Facebook prohibits publishing pictures of the Santa Claus assistant
Facebook: It is unacceptable for people to feel discriminated against. Reuters
The social networking sites "Facebook" and "Instagram" announced yesterday that they banned the publication of controversial traditional pictures of the Dutch and Belgian Christmas character Zvart Pitt, or Peter the Black.
Facebook offered new rules of use to combat racism and anti-Semitism.
Discriminatory stereotypes, like Peter the Black, are now banned under these new rules in the Netherlands and Belgium, the company announced yesterday. The American company cites black make-up, thick lips and curly wigs among the stereotypes.
Pictures, graphics or videos of stereotypical characters will be removed from the site if reported.
The company said in a statement that "Facebook" believes that it is unacceptable for people to feel discriminated against and insecure because of some reports .. that "Centriclass" is a festival for all. "Centriclass" is the name for Santa Claus in the Netherlands and Belgium, and is traditionally accompanied by the cheerful black assistant during his Christmas Eve appearances.
There was a strong reaction to the ban on social networks. Supporters of the Peter the Black tradition spoke of an "attack on freedom of expression", while anti-racism organizations praised this "positive and encouraging sign."