Outrage as Edinburgh Cowgate severed head image “doesn’t break rules” of social media site

Outrage has erupted in Edinburgh after a shocking image of a severed head in the Cowgate area was deemed to not violate the rules of a popular social media platform. The incident occurred on Saturday night, sparking significant police activity in the Cowgate with surrounding streets cordoned off. Many users were appalled by the images that circulated online, showing a severed head and a headless corpse on the street.

Users of social media platform X expressed their dismay at the graphic images of the fatal accident being shared globally, leading to numerous complaints being lodged, both online and directly with the platform. Despite the outcry and distress caused by the images, X asserted that the content did not contravene their sensitive media policy. After reviewing the situation, X, owned by entrepreneur Elon Musk, responded to complainants stating that the content was permissible under their guidelines for sensitive media.

One individual who contacted the Daily Record highlighted that the social media platform’s algorithms flooded their feed with disturbing content, despite attempts to report and block such posts. The inappropriate dissemination of such distressing images prompted Police Scotland to urge individuals to refrain from sharing them out of respect for the deceased’s family. The police emphasized that the incident was isolated and not a threat to the wider public.

The circulation of the graphic images led to a wave of criticism from X users, condemning the sharing of such material and calling for its immediate removal. Police Scotland echoed the sentiment, urging prompt deletion of the images to spare the family further anguish. X has been approached for comment on the matter.

In summary, the public outcry over the graphic images of the fatal accident in Edinburgh’s Cowgate has raised concerns about the responsibilities of social media platforms in regulating sensitive content. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential impact of online content on individuals and communities, underscoring the need for greater vigilance and accountability in the digital age.