Meta’s Oversight Board Reviewing Content Moderation Decisions Related to Israel-Hamas War

The Oversight Board of Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is currently undertaking a review of content moderation decisions pertaining to the Israel-Hamas conflict. This move comes in response to concerns raised regarding the platform’s handling of content related to the ongoing conflict. The Oversight Board, an independent body established to review and make decisions on content moderation issues, is carefully assessing the decisions made by Meta in this context.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has sparked intense debate and heightened emotions, leading to a surge in online content discussing and depicting various aspects of the conflict. As a result, Meta’s content moderation policies and their application have come under scrutiny. The Oversight Board’s review aims to ensure that Meta’s content moderation decisions align with established policies and principles, including considerations of freedom of expression, safety, and respect for diverse perspectives.

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The Meta Oversight Board, responsible for reviewing content moderation decisions by the social media giant, has initiated an “expedited” review process for two cases related to Israel-Hamas war content. This move comes in response to the intense scrutiny faced by Meta and other social media companies regarding their handling of content related to the conflict. The board’s decision to expedite the review reflects the recognition that content decisions regarding the war can have urgent real-world consequences.

Social Media Platforms Under Scrutiny

In the aftermath of Hamas’ attack on Israel, major social media platforms faced allegations of hosting misleading and hateful content related to the conflict. European Union officials issued warnings to TikTok, Meta, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), expressing concerns about war-related content on their platforms. These officials reminded the social media companies that they could face substantial fines if an investigation finds them in violation of EU content moderation laws. Lawmakers in the US and UK also pressed the platforms to ensure they enforce their rules against hateful and illegal content.

Meta’s Response to the Conflict

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has taken steps to address the situation. In October, Meta established a special operations center staffed with experts, including fluent Hebrew and Arabic speakers, to monitor and respond to the rapidly evolving situation. The company also collaborated with third-party fact-checkers in the region. Despite these efforts, Meta’s Oversight Board reported a significant increase in daily average user appeals of content decisions related to the Middle East and North Africa region during the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The Role of Meta’s Oversight Board

Meta’s Oversight Board is composed of experts in areas such as freedom of expression and human rights. Often referred to as a Supreme Court for Meta, the board allows users to appeal content decisions made by the company. It provides recommendations to Meta on how to handle specific content moderation decisions and offers broader policy suggestions. This review process demonstrates the board’s commitment to ensuring fair and responsible content moderation on Meta’s platforms.

The Videos Under Review

The Oversight Board will review two specific videos related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The first video, posted on Instagram in early November, shows the aftermath of a strike outside the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The video depicts injured or deceased individuals, including children, lying on the ground or crying. The caption, written in Arabic and English, refers to the Israeli army targeting the hospital. Initially, Meta removed the video for violating its rules on graphic and violent content, but a user appealed the decision, leading to the board’s involvement. As a result, Meta made the video viewable again with a warning about its disturbing nature.

The second video captures the kidnapping of two hostages by Hamas militants. The video features a woman on a motorbike and a man being marched away. The caption encourages viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the October 7 attack on Israel. Meta initially removed the video for violating its rules on violence and incitement. However, the company later reinstated it with a warning screen due to trends in how hostage kidnapping videos were being shared and reported on.

The Board’s Decision and Meta’s Response

The Meta Oversight Board aims to render a decision on these cases within the next 30 days. In a blog post, Meta stated that the board’s guidance, in addition to feedback from other experts, will help the company evolve its policies and response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Meta commits to implementing the board’s decision in each case.

Conclusion

The Meta Oversight Board’s decision to expedite the review of two content moderation cases related to the Israel-Hamas conflict highlights the importance of responsible content management on social media platforms. As social media companies face increased scrutiny, the oversight provided by independent boards like Meta’s can help ensure fair and transparent decision-making processes. By actively engaging with experts in freedom of expression and human rights, Meta aims to strike a balance between allowing free expression and preventing the dissemination of harmful or misleading content. The outcome of the board’s review will offer valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to improve content moderation policies during times of conflict.