Pentagon Official Says Execution Will Be Livestreamed, Platform Unknown

YouTube, Meta, Twitch and X have not said whether they will allow the US government to livestream the execution. An unnamed Pentagon official said the execution of Nidal Hasan, who was convicted over a 2009 mass shooting at a military base in Texas, will be shown live. However, the 4 platforms have not stated their positions since the announcement.

TikTok and Kick have confirmed that such a broadcast would violate their rules. According to a TikTok representative, shocking and graphic violent footage, including the moment of a person’s death, is prohibited on the platform. Kick, known for its more lenient approach to content moderation, also said that broadcasting the execution would violate its community guidelines.

Nidal Hasan was convicted over a 2009 mass shooting at a military base in Texas. He is scheduled to be executed by firing squad on December 4 at 03:00. Despite the Pentagon official’s announcement, it is unclear which platform and account will carry the broadcast.

Under the rules of Meta, Twitch and X, violent content showing a person’s death is prohibited. YouTube also does not allow videos that encourage dangerous or illegal acts posing a risk of serious injury or death. Livestreams showing a person holding or using a firearm are also prohibited on the platform. However, it is unclear whether these companies will make an exception for the US government. Rumble has also not stated its position on the matter.