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
2024-001-FB-MR
News Documentary on Child Abuse in Pakistan
The Oversight Board has overturned Meta’s decision to take down a documentary video posted by Voice of America (VOA) Urdu, revealing the identities of child victims of sexual abuse and murder from Pakistan in the 1990s. The majority find that a newsworthiness allowance should have been applied.
Standard
Multiple Case Decision
2024-002-FB-UA, 2024-003-FB-UA
Australian Electoral Commission Voting Rules
The Oversight Board has upheld Meta’s decisions to remove two separate Facebook posts containing the same screenshot of information posted on X by the Australian Electoral Commission, ahead of Australia’s Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum.
Summary
Overturned
2024-026-FB-UA
Dehumanizing Comments About People in Gaza
A user appealed Meta’s decision to leave up a Facebook post claiming that Hamas originated from the population of Gaza, comparing them to a “savage horde.” After the Board brought the appeal to Meta’s attention, the company reversed its original decision and removed the post.
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.
