केस विवरण
In May 2024, two Facebook users separately posted images showing the former national flag of South Africa. This flag, which became associated with the country’s apartheid system of racial segregation, was replaced in 1994 by a new national flag. The two Facebook posts were shared in the run-up to South Africa’s General Election on May 29, 2024, during which immigration, inequalities and unemployment were key issues.
The first post shows a soldier carrying the pre-1994 flag. The image, which appears to have been taken during the apartheid years (1948-1994), is accompanied by a caption encouraging others to share the post if they “served under this flag.” The content was viewed more than 500,000 times and shared more than 5,000 times. The post received numerous comments, with many suggesting that South Africa was a safer country during apartheid, while others emphasized the suffering experienced by people during those years. By the time the Board selected this case, three users had reported the content to Meta, for hate speech and violence. Following human review, the content was found to be non-violating and left on Facebook.
The second post contains multiple images of a previous era, including the country’s former flag, a nostalgic picture of a seaside theme park, a packet of candy cigarettes, a toy gun and a black man on a bicycle ice cream cart, with white children next to him. The caption expresses fondness for the previous era and asks the audience to “read between the lines,” followed by a winking face and an “OK” hand emoji. While in most instances, the OK hand emoji is used by people to show approval or agree that something is okay, this symbol has been adopted by some as an expression of white supremacy. The post was viewed more than 2 million times and shared over a thousand times. Many users commented on the post, positively describing life during apartheid, including on law and order. Other comments noted that it was not a good time for all. Within a week of posting, 184 users reported the content, mostly for hate speech. Some of the reports were reviewed by human reviewers, who determined that the content did not violate the Community Standards. The remaining reports were processed through a combination of automated systems and prior human review decisions. The content was kept up on the platform.
When the Board selected this content, Meta’s policy subject matter experts reviewed both posts again and the company confirmed that its original decisions to keep both pieces of content up on Facebook were correct.
In their statement to the Board, the user who reported the first post stated that South Africa’s former flag is comparable to the German Nazi flag and that “brazenly displaying” it “incites violence” because the country is still reeling from the impact of “this crime against humanity [apartheid].” The user also stated that sharing such images during an election period can encourage racial hatred and endanger lives. Similarly, the user who reported the second post explained that the “context of the post suggests” apartheid was a “better time” for South Africans and that such use of the flag is illegal. The user also emphasized how the former flag represents oppression.
The Board selected these cases to address the issue of glorifying or praising hateful or racial supremacist ideologies, including through the use of symbols, especially in the lead-up to an election. Such content can have public interest value, e.g., to raise awareness about or condemn an issue, but it may also be used to glorify or incite racial discrimination or violence. These cases, which provide an opportunity to evaluate Meta’s current approach on this issue, fall within the Board’s strategic priorities of Elections and Civic Space and Hate Speech.
The Board would appreciate public comments that address:
- The sociopolitical context in South Africa, in particular the nature of public and political discourse around apartheid and racial inequality, including in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, the impact of displaying the apartheid flag since 1994, and the role of supremacist and apartheid-sympathetic groups in social and political life.
- The coded use of online symbols, such as the ‘OK’ hand emoji and other symbols adopted by white supremacist groups on social media in South Africa and/or globally.
- Approaches to moderating visual content involving potential implicit attacks against groups with protected characteristics, particularly in contexts where there is a history of racial segregation.
- Risks of over-enforcement of removing hate symbols at scale, as well as analysis of least intrusive means among digital tools (beyond removals and geoblocking) that are available in content moderation to address hate symbols.
As part of its decisions, the Board can issue policy recommendations to Meta. While recommendations are not binding, Meta must respond to them within 60 days. As such, the Board welcomes public comments proposing recommendations that are relevant to these cases.
टिप्पणियाँ
It would be extraordinary if Meta were to ban the old South African flag while allowing racially charged hate speech in “liberation songs” that call for violence against the White minority in South Africa. The song “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer” explicitly incites violence against this group. Meta should apply the same standards to this content as it does to symbols like the old flag.
I feel that posts about the old South African flag should not be removed now or in future, as it is part of our history and heritage, removing this would be strengthen the new apartheid and disadvantage of the new corrupt South African black government. Keep the old as part of our history
Why people are threatened by symbol like the old flag is a question nobody asks. There are many symbols that could potentially offend me because of an experience but it does not because nobody is ever offended, they allow themselves to be offended due to personal agendas. Should I be offended by the existence of a black business group because I am white? Should I be offended by the use of Hindi deities because I am a Christian? You might then as well shut down x
I am a White, English speaking South African who was born during the so-called apartheid era and has now been exposed to so-called democracy for the past 30 years.
Throughout my life, I have never experienced levels of racism as high as currently in South Africa. And this includes racism amongst the various non-white race groups as well. Yes, racism and apartheid are two different things, but which is worse.
Prior to 1994, South Africa as a people and a country was not 'apartheid' or generally racist. The goverment of the day was, and there were millions of South Africans of all races who weren't and who embraced the spirit of brotherhood and of being African.
In fact, as a young man growing up in the so-called apartheid South Africa, I never experienced nor was exposed to apartheid or racism at the levels that are forced on us today.
The people of South Africa want to forget and move on, but the goverment, comprised of the ANC and it's many break away factions, won't let us.
The old South African flag was our national symbol representing the people of South Africa and our beautiful country with all it's heritage, and not the apartheid goverment. The flag is also not divisive as some individuals claim, but is a vital part of our history and heritage. Millions of South Africans of all races loved and respected that flag, and still do.
Comparing it to the nazi flag which was a symbol of an organisation and not a country, is nonsensical. In that case you might as well ban the German flag, or even the US flag.
Thank you!
The pre-1994 flag:
This flag originated in 1928 when the Union of South Africa was formed. As such it pre-dates the implimenation of Apartheid policies by 20 years. During the Bush War in Angola, all white young were obliged to report for military service. All of them fought against the Communists in Angola under the flag and many died under it. As such it still means a lot to them, but not as a symbol of Apartheid. The black population of South Africa was not involved in the War and solely associates the flag with Apartheid.
In latter years the flag has also become a symbol of good governance without corruption to white South Africans as opposed to the corruption and mismanagement of the ANC.
Online symbols:
I have never heard or seen the OK hand symbol used as a symbol of white supremacy. The meaning in South Africa is the same as in the rest of the world.
Reverse racism:
Since 1994 the ANC has implimented numerous racial laws to empower the previous oppressed black population. These still persist 30 years later. Today the white minority are actively discriminated against, even at school level where regional sports teams are selected on the basis of race. The latest Bela education legislation is aimed at forcing the last remaining Afrklikaans public schools to become English. This despite the fact that they make up about 5% of all schools. At university level there are different requirements for admission based on race. White children need up to 20% higher marks than black children for admission. This despite the fact that they were born after 1994 and never benefited from Apartheid.
South Africa is the only country in the world where a 80% majority of the population claim that they are oppressed by a 7% minority. Unfortunately, this done as a scape goat for their own failures.
From the above, I hope that you can see that the racial situation is a lot more complex that mere perceived white on black racism. That being said, most ordinary South Africans get along fine. The vast majority of racial tension is stoked by politicians to further their own goals.
Apartheid has been over for more than 30 years, first off all the old SA flag doesn't represent apartheid but it represents culture, the Afrikaner culture, for meta to ban images of that flag would only impersonate that you will rather discriminate against someone heritage than doing the right thing
I disagree that these posts are posted to do any harm to anyone. Many of us lived in that era with beautiful photos taken with old conventional cameras. Many share areas, items not seen anymore. You can not take memories away to those who appreciate old photos. Your complaints were a drop in the ocean vs the ones responded positively to seeing it. Many of those who complained about these photos probably did not even live in that era and have no idea that there were once old photos with memories that intended no harm!
Banning the old South African flag in totality on Meta platforms is problematic for a variety of reasons. It is important to distinguish between the use of the flag in a historical context (i.e. to refer to a pre-democratic South Africa) and the use of the flag by white supremacist groups. Despite the flag's association with an apartheid-era South Africa, and I acknowledge its association with racism and unfair racial policies, the flag is rarely used by white supremacists in South Africa. In the context of the complaint, the first post used the old South African flag to see which of the older generations served in the military in the pre-democratic South Africa. As a civilian working for the South African military, I can assure you that the old South African flag is commonly used to refer to the pre-democratic South African Defence Force. The second post also used the old flag in a nostalgic matter, not for a racist South Africa or the return of Apartheid, but for people's youth. This is evident from the other items listed in the post: the sweets that look like cigarettes, the ice cream salesman on the beach etc. These are all items and activities that were popular in pre-democratic South Africa, which is the association with the old flag and are not found in a post-democratic South Africa - for a variety of reasons. I think it is therefore important to make a distinction between the use of the flag for historic posts, and when the flag is posted in the context of inciting violence and racism. I also want to conclude by saying that the claim that "the coded use of online symbols, such as the ‘OK’ hand emoji and other symbols adopted by white supremacist groups on social media in South Africa..." is utter nonsense. While the possibility exists that this might be the case elsewhere in the world, this is certainly not the case in South Africa. I have never seen or heard of this usage, and I think this claim is far-fetched.
I grew up as a white male in Apartheid-era South Africa. When I reached the age of 14, Apartheid had been abolished and our country, deeply divided, started a trajectory of reconciliation and nation building meant to pull us out of the doldrums of abhorrent race-based ideologies.
What is important to understand is that the old South African Republic flag was used as much more than a flag. It was used as a symbol of unification. Up until 1994, when our country condemned racial segregation and changed race-based laws and ended forced social segregation, South Africa was an isolated country on the world stage. Our country faced enormous sanctions and international ridicule and condemnation. The old flag was seen as a symbol of pride back then and a tool to rally white South Africans behind the lost cause that Apartheid was. I remember vividly how the old South African flag was raised each morning on our school grounds while we children had to salute the flag as if it was the leaders of the regime staring down at us from the flagpole. This was also done at sporting events. At certain churches. In front of certain houses. We were petrified of bringing that flag into disrepute and it was revered as holy. Even more so as a symbol of our military and policing power in subjecting persons of color to Apartheid’s heinous laws and criminality. To disobey or disrespect the old flag meant you were disprespecting the Apartheid regime. To revere and respect the old flag meant that you condoned the Apartheid regime and that you were part of it's machinery and outcomes.
When the new age of democracy dawned in South Africa in 1994, we received a new national flag. This flag is what I, since the age of 14, have come to know as being the international symbol for my country. I am proud of the new South African flag.
There is, like in any country with a traumatic history, still elements in our society that long for the return of Apartheid. Yet again, the old flag is being used as a symbol of unification for these elements in our society who would prefer a return to racial segregation, a police state, international sanctions and a continuation of human rights abuses. By displaying the old South African Republic flag, these elements in our society are not only flagrantly admitting that the embers of Apartheid still burn strong, but that they are willing to signify that, that is what they want. They are using the old South African Republic flag as a political statement, ideology signifier and social identifier. Much the same as what Christians would use the cross, Jews the Star of David or the LGBQTI+ community the Pride flag. In this case, however, it’s inherent message is subjection, racial segregation and the abuse of human rights by a monolithic, autocratic entity.
Millions of people suffered under Apartheid. It has left very deep scars on our society that has, after thirty years, not yet healed. Can you imagine what a triggering event it must be for a person of color who suffered under the heel of the previous regime to login to their social media only to see the symbol of power they feared as children being proudly displayed and shared? Can you imagine what it must feel like for someone who lost a mother, a father, a brother or sister during the struggle against Apartheid to scroll through Facebook and seeing thousands of white South Africans sharing an old photo containing the old flag?
I implore you to comply with the laws that we hold in high esteem in our own country. Our constitution forbids it to display the old South African Republic flag. For very good reason. Everyone in this country knows what that flags means and what it stands for. Allowing it on your platforms is allowing hate to fester and spread.
It is part of history. Every country has an history, and should be remembered whether for good or bad reasons. It helps us to learn from the past. Good lessons and lessons about what should never happen again. Keep it up. It is part of our history which shaped and formed us.
Some of us suffered under that Flag. Some our friends and colleagues died under that Flag. To display it honours the memory of our friends' lives and the sacrifices we made.
To try banning it is insensitive, selfish and cruel.
Displaying it will happen if you want it or not.
My Flag has a place of honour in my house and workplace where it will stay until the day I die.
Freedom of expression, a fundamental right enshrined in South Africa's Constitution, allows individuals to express their views, opinions, and beliefs. Restricting the display of the old flag infringes upon this right.
Prohibiting the display of the old flag raises concerns about censorship and the slippery slope of determining what constitutes "offensive" content. Who decides what historical symbols or images are acceptable?
The Constitution protects freedom of expression, not freedom from offense.
Dwelling on past symbols hinders our collective progress. We can acknowledge the past without letting it define our present. South Africans from all walks of life can coexist peacefully, learning from history instead of being held hostage by it.
By embracing our diversity and shared humanity, we can let go of hatred and resentment and build a future where everyone has equal opportunities.
Posting pictures of South Africa's old flag should not be automatically deemed bad or illegal. Freedom of expression, historical significance, and context matter. Encouraging informed discussions and critical thinking promotes a more nuanced understanding of the past, its impact on the present, and a more inclusive future for all South Africans.
Together, we can create a society where our shared history unites us, rather than divides us.
Absolute waste of time. Christ. 30 years on we still arguing about this ? Amazingly, most those who complain about the old flag wasn't even alive at the time it was used, so what is their problem ? It has already been removed everywhere, just get damn well over it already.
The Old South Africa flag is known as a hurtful symbol of the repression that the majority of the country's citizenship experienced under apartheid. Displaying the flag has been decided in SA case law as being hate speech. Allowing users to display this flag is against our laws, and should be against Meta policy. Metal own policy makes cleaning that have speech is not allowed. I request that Meta does not allow the use of images of the old flag.
In South Africa we criminalized a flag witch is part of our History. Doesn't matter how you look at it. It will forever be part of my history and to stop me from using it is to silence my constitutional right of freedom to speech. On the other hand in South Africa we allow a song that calls for the killing of white people and farmers. Maybe that must be criminalized and leave the flag alone. We can never allow to go back to that times, but it is part of our history.