Viz magazine could be permanently banned from Facebook
The comic is known for its dark and often controversial humour
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
The comic Viz has had its company page pulled from Facebook for violating the social media site's "welcoming, respectful environment".
Viz is known for its risque content and black humour, with often graphic and violent content. It was founded in 1979 and parodies conventional comics such as The Beano and The Dandy, as well as tabloids and popular culture. It has a circulation of around 50,000 per issue.
A message posted on the comic's Twitter stated: "Facebook have taken the Viz page down. We can appeal, but if we get it wrong, we'll be 'permanently deleted'. Oo-er."
However, not ones to be defeated, they shortly after followed up by tweeting a mock version of the Facebook page imagining what might be deemed acceptable by the social media site, featuring a kitten, a puppy and flowers.
Facebook's policy of censoring some material has attracted criticism from campaigners who say that the company is unfairly stiffling free speech.
Last month, the social media site launched a new campaign titled the Online Civil Courage Initiative which it describes as "combating extremism". Speaking at its launch, Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg said: "Hate speech has no place in our society- not even on the internet. Facebook is not a place for the dissemination of hate speech or incitement to violence."
The Independent has contacted Viz for comment
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments