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.
Summary
Overturned
2024-016-FB-UA
Journalist Recounting Meeting in Gaza
A journalist appealed Meta’s decision to remove a Facebook post recounting his personal experience of interviewing Abdel Aziz Al-Rantisi, a co-founder of Hamas. This case highlights a recurring issue in the over-enforcement of the company’s Dangerous Organizations and Individuals policy, specifically regarding neutral posts. After the Board brought the appeal to Meta’s attention, the company reversed its original decision and restored the post.
Standard
Multiple Case Decision
2023-30-FB-UA, 2023-31-FB-UA
Greek 2023 Elections Campaign
The Oversight Board reviewed two Facebook posts together, both shared around the time of Greece’s June 2023 General Election. The Board has upheld Meta’s decisions to remove the content in both cases for violating the company’s Dangerous Organizations and Individuals policy.
Standard
Upheld
2023-033-FB-UA
Politician’s Comments on Demographic Changes
The Oversight Board has upheld Meta’s decision to leave up a video clip in which French politician Éric Zemmour discusses demographic changes in Europe and Africa.
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.
