Facebook banned an online video fitness class for pensioners because it mistook leg oiling for sexual content.

John Molyneux, who runs the MolyFit training programme for dozens of over-65s around St Albans, Hertfordshire, said he was shocked to be told by the social network that the post ‘went against community standards on nudity and sexual activity’.

The fitness instructor was showing people how to oil leg muscles ahead of a stretching routine, raising his shorts up slightly to demonstrate the massage technique.

In the video, he rubs oils into his upper leg, describing to his audience what massage techniques to use to complete the process. But shortly after the live stream ended it was taken down. Facebook have admitted the post was taken down ‘in error’.

Mr Molyneux said of Facebook’s claims about his content: ‘Nothing could be further from the truth.

‘I really couldn’t believe it.

‘My clients like to see exactly how to do things and all I did was roll up my trouser leg. 

‘Amazingly, Facebook closed me down.’

Like many sport and fitness professionals, Mr Molyneux has adapted his classes into online Facebook Live sessions as he can no longer visit clients in care homes during the coronavirus lockdown.

He said the technology giant later acknowledged the mistake and reinstated the video.

It is not clear how the error occurred, though Facebook relies on artificial intelligence to detect and remove some of its content.

In late 2018, Facebook brought in new community standards to stop users discussing sexual preferences. The company, which also owns Whatsapp, Instagram and various other platforms, has a moderation team that can remove posts. 

Last year it banned far-right political groups including the English Defence League for promoting hate and violence. 

A Facebook spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘This content was removed in error and has now been restored.

‘We hope people can get back to enjoying keeping fit.’ 

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