Facebook acts to remove online harassment following direct Countryside Alliance action

As a direct result of pressure from Countryside Alliance members and supporters Facebook have deleted a post by a group of animal rights extremists that was publicising personal details of game farms around the UK. In doing so Facebook have sent out a clear message that they have a zero-tolerance approach to online bullying and harassment.

Following a fast reaction from the Countryside Alliance digital team, we were able to encourage our supporters to report the post to the social media giant. Thankfully they did so in large numbers and Facebook reacted within a matter of hours to ensure this post was removed.

Tim Bonner, Countryside Alliance Chief Executive, said: "The uptake from our supporters was superb, Facebook would never have reacted so quickly if it were not for all those that reported the post. For that we are extremely grateful.

"With such active support the Countryside Alliance is in a unique position to act on online bullying and harassment. Rural businesses and livelihoods have enough challenges to contend with without having to deal with intimidation and potential attacks from extremists. By working together, we can protect rural people and their businesses from these threats.

"Our work on this issue does not end here as game farmers are still living in fear. We will continue to work with the police to tackle harassment and incitement. The police have reacted quickly to investigate those game farms that have been attacked as a result of this map, and we will ensure that they continue to treat the threats being made online seriously."