A meeting between two seated people.
A meeting between two seated people.
A meeting between two seated people.

Our commitment


Social media platforms allow people around the world to connect. While this creates many opportunities to unite, it also allows us to see things that divide.

As outside experts and civic leaders, we embrace our responsibility to answer some of the most difficult questions around freedom of expression online: what to take down, what to leave up, and why.

While we come from different backgrounds and cultures and have different opinions and beliefs, this diversity lies at the core of this important endeavor. We are committed to making principled, independent decisions that are binding on Facebook, Instagram and Threads about important pieces of content and by issuing advisory opinions on Meta’s content policies.

THE BOARD

Expertise from around the world


To ensure a global perspective, the Oversight Board includes members from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of the communities on Facebook, Instagram and Threads. These members were chosen because they are experienced at deliberating thoughtfully and collegially, skilled at making and explaining decisions based on a set of policies or principles, and familiar with digital content and governance.

Special consideration was given to people who have demonstrated a proficiency in questions of online content moderation and a history of working with others on difficult problems towards a common goal.

VALUES

Meta’s content policy values


When the Oversight Board reviews and decides on content, it will do so in light of Meta’s content policies and the values that underpin those policies. These content policy values are listed here, with descriptions quoted from Meta Community Standards.


Voice

“The goal of our Community Standards has always been to create a place for expression and give people voice. Building community and bringing the world closer together depends on people’s ability to share diverse views, experiences, ideas and information.”


Authenticity

“We want to make sure the content people are seeing on Meta is authentic. We believe that authenticity creates a better environment for sharing, and that’s why we don’t want people using Meta to misrepresent who they are or what they’re doing.”


Safety

“We are committed to making Meta a safe place. Expression that threatens people has the potential to intimidate, exclude or silence others and isn’t allowed on Meta.”


Privacy

“We are committed to protecting personal privacy and information. Privacy gives people the freedom to be themselves, and to choose how and when to share on Meta and to connect more easily.”


Dignity

“We believe that all people are equal in dignity and rights. We expect that people will respect the dignity of others and not harass or degrade others.”

Voice

“The goal of our Community Standards has always been to create a place for expression and give people voice. Building community and bringing the world closer together depends on people’s ability to share diverse views, experiences, ideas and information.”


Authenticity

“We want to make sure the content people are seeing on Meta is authentic. We believe that authenticity creates a better environment for sharing, and that’s why we don’t want people using Meta to misrepresent who they are or what they’re doing.”


Safety

“We are committed to making Meta a safe place. Expression that threatens people has the potential to intimidate, exclude or silence others and isn’t allowed on Meta.”


Privacy

“We are committed to protecting personal privacy and information. Privacy gives people the freedom to be themselves, and to choose how and when to share on Meta and to connect more easily.”


Dignity

“We believe that all people are equal in dignity and rights. We expect that people will respect the dignity of others and not harass or degrade others.”


STRUCTURE

Calling on Expert Advice


In some cases, the board may want additional context to help them with their deliberations. To receive such cultural, technical or contextual information, the board will be able to call upon outside subject matter experts.


Abstract depiction of two bodies standing shoulder to shoulder, their torsos and heads made up of different graphics and geometric shapes.
Abstract depiction of two bodies standing shoulder to shoulder, their torsos and heads made up of different graphics and geometric shapes.
Abstract depiction of two bodies standing shoulder to shoulder, their torsos and heads made up of different graphics and geometric shapes.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Member Recommendations Portal


Anyone can nominate a candidate for board membership through the Oversight Board recommendation portal.

Recommendations can be for other people or oneself. If recommending someone else, you must be able to provide the person’s email address, along with a few biographical and informative questions.