According to an investigation launched by the BBC, popular social networking site, Facebook, is currently acting as a platform for the publication and distribution of obscene images involving children.

The report which highlights the existence of secret groups which post and swap inappropriate photographs has been acknowledged by Facebook's head of public policy, Rishi Saha, who insisted he was committed to removing "content that shouldn't be there."

According to the findings of the investigation, these secret groups, which are created and administrated by men with a sexual interest in underage children, are visible to most users but only members can see the content which is uploaded and admittance is gained by invitation only.

The images, which have been stolen from a number of sources including newspapers, blogs and clothing catalogues, are accompanied by sexually explicit messages.
 


While Facebook asserts that the removal of content which includes "solicitation of sexual material, any sexual content involving minors, threats to share intimate images and offers of sexual services" is of the utmost priority, Children's Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield, insists that the company is falling short in many regards.

"I don't think at the moment, given what we know about the vulnerability of so many children to predators, that they are doing enough," she asserted while reflecting on the findings of the investigation.

Upon establishing a fake profile and gaining access to some of the aforementioned groups, those involved in the BBC investigation reported a total of 20 obscene images and posts - only four of which were removed by Facebook.
 


Outraged that the corporation refused to remove to certain images on the grounds that they did not breach "community standards", Ms. Longfield continued: "I'm shocked those don't breach community standards, any parent or indeed child looking at those would know that they were not acceptable."

Commenting on the findings of the investigation, Mr. Saha told the BBC that Facebook would "deal directly with law enforcement to make sure they're aware of these groups and follow the proper process" telling the broadcasters "I think it's really important that we do that and I can give you that commitment that we're going to do that."

The BBC have been in contact with the Internet Watch Foundation and the National Crime Agency in order to communicate their findings while some of the material is now in the hands of the police.

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