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.

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Summary

Overturned

2024-020-FB-UA

Political Korean Poem

A user appealed Meta’s decision to remove an image on Facebook of a Korean poem called “The Scream of General Hong Beom-Do” written by Lee Dong Soon. After the Board brought the appeal to Meta’s attention, the company reversed its original decision and restored the post.

Platform
Facebook
Topic
Art / Writing / Poetry, Freedom of expression, Politics
Standard
Hate speech
Location
Japan, South Korea
Date
Published on April 4, 2024

Summary

Multiple Case Decision

2024-018-FB-UA, 2024-019-FB-UA

Reports of Israeli Rape Victims

A user appealed Meta’s decisions to remove two Facebook posts that describe sexual violence carried out by Hamas militants during the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel. After the Board brought the appeals to Meta’s attention, the company reversed its original decisions and restored the posts.

Topic
Sex and gender equality, Violence, War and conflict
Standard
Dangerous individuals and organizations
Location
Israel, Palestinian Territories, United States
Date
Published on April 4, 2024

Summary

Overturned

2024-017-FB-UA

Washington Post Article on Israel-Palestine

A user appealed Meta’s decision to remove a Facebook post with a link to a Washington Post article that addressed the chronology of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. After the Board brought the appeal to Meta’s attention, the company reversed its original decision and restored the post.

Platform
Facebook
Topic
Journalism, News events, War and conflict
Standard
Dangerous individuals and organizations
Location
Israel, Palestinian Territories, United States
Date
Published on April 4, 2024

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.