Tumblr Staff: Policy Against Self-Harm
One of the great things about Tumblr is that people use it for just about every conceivable kind of expression. People being people, though, that means that Tumblr sometimes gets used for things that are just wrong. We are deeply committed to supporting and defending our users’ freedom of speech,…
Option 1 seems like a clear violation of people’s rights. I don’t think it is up to Tumblr to decide what is morally right, even if the majority disagrees with mutilation or anorexia. Prohibition never solves an issue.
Option 2 is much more beneficial to help raise awareness. I am surprised that Tumblr would even consider Option 1 in regards to people’s blogs.
Please consider the slippery slope of becoming the Internet’s moral compass.
I agree with Kevin’s stance on this. I think Tumblr is right in recognizing that they have a responsibility to take some kind of action against harmful content. There is no doubt that something should be done to prevent harmful thoughts and behaviors spreading through the Internet, but it needs to be done in a fair and creative way that doesn’t violate neutrality and freedom of speech—something Tumblr should stand behind 100% especially after fighting so hard against Internet censorship. Obviously there is good intentions here and I’m not suggesting that Tumblr’s actions are as unjust as SOPA’s, but censorship is still censorship. In the end, respecting freedom of speech while still providing help and awareness will be much more effective option.
