Case Decisions and Policy Advisory Opinions
The Oversight Board reviews Meta’s content decisions to see if the company acted in line with its own policies, values and human rights commitments. The Board can choose to overturn or uphold Meta’s decision.
Case Decisions
All three types result in binding decisions that Meta must implement.
Standard
In-depth review of Meta’s decision to remove or allow a post, which includes recommendations.
Summary
Analysis of Meta’s original decision on a post when the company later changes its mind, after the Board selects the case for review.
Expedited
Rapid review of Meta’s decision on a post in exceptional situations with urgent real-world consequences.
Standard
Multiple Case Decision
2025-020-FB-MR, 2025-021-FB-MR
Videos of Teachers Hitting Children
The Oversight Board recommends that an exception be included in Meta’s Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Nudity Community Standard to allow videos showing non-sexual child abuse in educational settings, in certain circumstances.
Summary
Overturned
2025-053-FB-UA
Comment Stating Romani “Should Not Exist”
A user appealed Meta’s decision to leave up a Facebook comment targeting Romani people, stating they “should not exist.” After the Board brought the appeal to Meta’s attention, the company reversed its original decision and removed the comment.
Summary
Overturned
2025-052-FB-UA
Promotional Clip for Interview in Iraq
A user appealed Meta’s decision to remove a Facebook post of a video featuring a clip of a televised interview with a prominent Iraqi Shia cleric and political figure. After the Board brought the appeal to Meta’s attention, the company reversed its original decision and restored the post.
POLICY ADVISORY OPINIONS
Meta can also ask the Board for guidance on specific issues through policy advisory opinions. These are integrated into the company’s policy development process.
Published
PAO-2023-01
Referring to Designated Dangerous Individuals as “Shaheed”
This policy advisory opinion analyzes Meta's approach to moderating the word “shaheed,” raising important questions about the impact of the Dangerous Organizations and Individuals policy on freedom of expression.
Published
PAO-2022-01
Removal of COVID-19 misinformation
This policy advisory opinion examines whether Meta should continue to remove certain categories of COVID-19 misinformation, or whether a less restrictive approach would better align with its values and human rights responsibilities.
Published
PAO-2021-02
Meta’s cross-check program
This policy advisory opinion analyzes Meta’s cross-check program, raising important questions around how Meta treats its most powerful users.
