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
Overturned
2024-041-FB-UA
Homophobic Violence in West Africa
The Oversight Board is seriously concerned about Meta’s failure to take down a video showing two men who appear to have been beaten for allegedly being gay. In overturning the company’s original decision, the Board notes that by leaving the video on Facebook for five months, there was a risk of immediate harm by exposing the men’s identities, given the hostile environment for LGBTQIA+ people in Nigeria.
Standard
Upheld
2024-037-IG-MR
Iranian Make-Up Video for a Child Marriage
In the case of a video in which a beautician from Iran prepares a 14-year-old girl for her wedding, the Board agrees with Meta that the content should have been taken down under the Human Exploitation policy.
Standard
Multiple Case Decision
2024-028-IG-MR, 2024-029-TH-MR, 2024-030-FB-MR
Criminal Allegations Based on Nationality
The Board has reviewed three cases together all containing criminal allegations made against people based on nationality. In overturning one of Meta’s decisions to remove a Facebook post, the Board has considered how these cases raise the broader issue of how to distinguish content that criticizes state actions and policies from attacks against people based on their nationality.
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.
