Facebook refuses to block insane online game ‘neknominations’

on 04/02/14 at 12:14 pm

Facebook has rejected calls to ban pages and videos linked to the drinking craze “neknomination” – despite one death in Ireland being linked to the online drinking game.

‘Neknomination’ is an online drinking game which sees users post videos of them downing a drink while performing a stunt and then nominating someone else to do the same within 24 hours.

The ‘game’ has been linked to the death of Jonny Byrne, 19, from Carlow in the Irish Republic, who drowned after he jumped into the River Barrow on Saturday while believed to be taking part in the game.

In another incident, according to a report on bbc.co.uk, one man downed a pint of WD40 lubricating oil as part of the game and then challenged others to do the same.

Thankfully no-one took up his challenge and the man then made himself sick realising “it was stupid” and he “could have died”.

Irish Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte demanded Facebook act to block material which promotes the “stupid and silly phenomenon”, as a raft of interest groups including health chiefs and psychiatrists called for the phenomenon to be stopped.

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