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
2025-005-IG-UA, 2025-006-IG-UA, 2025-007-IG-MR, 2025-008-FB-MR
Images of Partially Nude Indigenous Women
The Oversight Board has overturned Meta in three out of four cases that demonstrate the disproportionate impacts of the Adult Nudity and Sexual Activity policy on certain users, while upholding a decision to leave up content in a third case.
Standard
Overturned
2025-012-FB-UA
Content Targeting Human Rights Defender in Peru
The Oversight Board overturns Meta’s decision to leave up content targeting one of Peru’s leading human rights defenders.
Summary
Multiple Case Decision
2025-027-IG-UA, 2025-028-FB-UA, 2025-029-IG-UA, 2025-030-IG-UA, 2025-031-FB-UA, 2025-032-FB-UA, 2025-033-IG-UA, 2025-034-IG-UA, 2025-035-IG-UA, 2025-036-IG-UA, 2025-037-IG-UA, 2025-038-FB-UA, 2025-039-FB-UA, 2025-040-FB-UA, 2025-041-IG-UA
Breast Cancer Awareness Content
Fifteen users appealed Meta’s decisions to remove their Facebook and Instagram posts featuring different types of breast cancer awareness content.
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.
