Oversight Board
@OversightBoard
Followers
22,460
Following
357
Media
631
Statuses
3,606
Ensuring respect for free expression and human rights on Facebook, Instagram and Threads through binding decisions on content and policy recommendations.
Joined April 2020
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
#スポ男
• 54948 Tweets
La ONU
• 48196 Tweets
WIN X VELENCE
• 46821 Tweets
NuNew 3rd Single
• 36540 Tweets
ゴジラ-1.0
• 31909 Tweets
#最強スポーツ男子頂上決戦
• 22857 Tweets
ランウェイ
• 22458 Tweets
猫の恩返し
• 21117 Tweets
長嶋茂雄
• 17079 Tweets
雇用統計
• 16265 Tweets
ミスター
• 12681 Tweets
#njDONTAKU
• 12478 Tweets
Marco Reus
• 12069 Tweets
PondPhuwin Vichy Live
• 11754 Tweets
まことお兄さん
• 11408 Tweets
#فيصل_ابو_رميه
• 10184 Tweets
The Board has upheld Facebook’s decision on January 7 to suspend then-President Trump from Facebook and Instagram. Trump’s posts during the Capitol riot severely violated Facebook’s rules and encouraged and legitimized violence.
442
932
2K
The Oversight Board will announce its decision on the case concerning former US President Trump on its website at on May 5, 2021 at approximately 9:00 a.m. EDT.
815
324
625
Finally, we urged Facebook to conduct a review into its contribution to the narrative of electoral fraud and political tensions that led to the events of January 6. This should look at Facebook’s design and policy choices that may allow its platform to be abused.
68
182
548
The ‘newsworthiness’ of a public figure’s remarks should never take priority over urgent action to prevent harm. Facebook must be far more transparent about how its newsworthiness policy works.
16
144
545
We call on Facebook to ensure that if a head of state or high government official repeatedly posts messages that pose a risk of harm under international human rights norms, the company should either suspend the account for a set period or delete it.
47
159
479
Facebook cannot make up the rules as it goes, and anyone concerned about its power should be concerned about allowing this. Having clear rules that apply to all users and Facebook is essential for ensuring the company treats users fairly. This is what the Board stands for.
75
171
485
Today the Board overturned Meta’s original decision to remove a post containing the slogan “marg bar Khamenei” which literally translates as “death to Khamenei.”
The Board recommends that Meta permit the general use of the slogan on its platforms during protests in
#Iran
.
63
209
428
The Oversight Board has accepted a case from Facebook to examine their decision to indefinitely suspend former US President Donald Trump from access to Facebook and Instagram. 1/5
86
242
430
The Board also found Facebook violated its own rules by imposing a suspension that was ‘indefinite.’ This penalty is not described in Facebook’s content policies. It has no clear criteria and gives Facebook total discretion on when to impose or lift it.
64
114
338
Within 6 months of today, Facebook must review this matter and decide a new penalty that reflects its rules, the severity of the violation, and prospect of future harm. Facebook can either impose a time-limited suspension or account deletion.
71
120
312
Restrictions on speech are often imposed by powerful state actors against dissidents and political oppositions. Facebook must resist pressure from governments to silence political opposition, and stand up for free expression.
41
96
285
If Facebook opts for a suspension for a set period of time for influential users, the company should assess the risk of the user inciting significant harm before the suspension ends. If the risk remains, Facebook should impose another suspension.
18
80
262
Independent oversight of content moderation has a vital role to play in building trust in platforms and ensuring users are treated fairly. This is a model we have been proving since 2020. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss Twitter's plans in more detail with the company.
Twitter will be forming a content moderation council with widely diverse viewpoints.
No major content decisions or account reinstatements will happen before that council convenes.
47K
51K
567K
214
65
254
The Oversight Board has announced its first five decisions, overturning Facebook's judgment in four cases. These decisions demonstrate our commitment to holding Facebook to account. Decisions are binding on Facebook.
302
137
227
Social media companies face many challenges today, including protecting freedom of expression and human rights.
Our Co-Chair
@cboteromarino
shares why she joined the Oversight Board to address those challenges ↓
11
45
193
In today’s policy advisory opinion, the Oversight Board calls for major overhaul in the treatment of high-profile users on FB and IG.
We also urge Meta to prioritize protections for speech that is important from a human rights perspective rather than based on business interests.
28
103
180
Starting today, Facebook and Instagram users, and Facebook itself, can ask the Board to independently review content decisions.
243
85
144
The Board has overturned Facebook’s decision to remove a comment by a supporter of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny which called another user a “cowardly bot.” Facebook must restore the content.
31
58
152
While Meta told the Board that cross-check aims to advance Meta’s human rights commitments, we found that the program appears more directly structured to satisfy business concerns.
7
61
153
The Oversight Board’s decision on Donald Trump’s suspension from Facebook and Instagram 👇
76
74
144
(1/2): The Board will announce its decision on the case concerning former US President Trump's indefinite suspension from Facebook and Instagram in the coming weeks. We extended the public comments deadline for this case, receiving 9,000+ responses.
161
69
139
The Oversight Board has expressed on multiple occasions its concern about the lack of transparency in Facebook’s content moderation processes, especially relating to the company’s inconsistent management of high-profile accounts.
25
46
140
Today the first Members of the Oversight Board were announced. Learn more on our blog about how our Members will bring independent judgment to the most challenging content issues facing the Facebook and Instagram communities.
159
66
127
Today we are releasing our first transparency reports which provide details on cases submitted to the Board, as well as our decisions and recommendations to Facebook.
Our key finding: Facebook needs to commit to greater transparency and to treat users fairly.
62
75
131
From today, users can appeal content to the Oversight Board which they want removed from Facebook and Instagram. The Board will use its independent judgment to make binding decisions on what to leave up and what to take down.
25
79
117
We understand many people are eager for the Board to officially begin our task of providing independent oversight of Facebook’s content decisions. We share this urgency, but the Board won’t be operational until late Fall.
259
42
111
To treat users fairly, Facebook must commit to transparency.
Today, the Oversight Board issued an additional response on recent information that has come to light on Facebook’s cross-check system.
45
44
109
Today the Oversight Board announced its first cases and the opening of the public comment process.
40
56
107
We’re delighted to announce that Meta has committed ongoing financial support for the Board, including a new $150 million contribution to the Oversight Board Trust to support our operations. 🧵
17
34
106
Today the Board overturned Meta’s original decisions to remove 2 posts depicting transgender and non-binary people with bare chests.
The Board recommends Meta change its rules on adult nudity and sexual activity so that they are governed by international human rights standards.
31
44
104
Ahead of our announcement on the Trump suspension case, a reminder of how the Oversight Board makes decisions:
83
47
95
The Board expects to begin accepting public comments on this case next week. Sign up to receive alerts on when cases are posted to our website and open for comment 5/5
25
39
96
Today we are publishing a new decision linked to the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia.
After the Board selected this case, Meta decided it had removed the content in error and restored it. As a result of our decision, Meta must now once again remove the post from FB.
26
68
89
The Iranian government systematically represses freedom of expression and digital spaces have become a key forum for dissent.
It is vital that Meta supports users’ voice. “Marg bar” is used as a political slogan in Iran to mean “down with,” not as a credible threat.
13
27
83
The Oversight Board is a new, independent body focused on bringing greater accountability and transparency to the way Facebook operates. We will make decisions based on the impact on users and society.
@nytimes
17
9
71
Today the Oversight Board selected a new case about content showing an Armenian prisoner of war during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between
#Armenia
and
#Azerbaijan
.
As part of the Board’s deliberation process we are inviting people & organizations to submit public comments ↓
20
51
85
Next Tuesday, we will announce a new case related to the removal of political content in
#Iran
under Meta's Violence and Incitement policy.
When the case is announced, we will open our public comments process which will be accessible via the news section of our website.
23
38
81
Former Facebook employee
@FrancesHaugen
will be speaking to the Oversight Board in the coming weeks.
Board members appreciate the chance to discuss Ms. Haugen’s experiences and gather information that can help push for greater transparency and accountability from Facebook.
15
40
83
The Oversight Board has overturned Meta’s decision to leave up a video in which Cambodian PM Hun Sen threatens political opponents with violence.
Due to the severity of the violation, the Board recommends that Meta suspend Hun Sen’s FB page and IG account for 6 months.
13
46
76
There are many significant issues relating to online content that we recognize people want the Board to consider. We're working hard to set the Board up to begin operating later this year so it can start considering cases referred by users and Facebook.
79
27
69
The Board’s decision on this case will be binding on Facebook and determine whether Mr. Trump’s indefinite suspension from access to Facebook and Instagram is overturned. Facebook has committed not to restore access to its platforms unless directed by a decision of the Board. 2/5
4
23
74
Given high levels of interest, we are extending the deadline for submitting public comments on our two most recent cases, including one related to former US President Donald Trump, until 15:00 UTC on Friday, February 12. Submit your comment here
39
49
69
Mark your calendar 🗓
Join us tomorrow on
@TwitterSpaces
to discuss our soon-to-be-published policy advisory opinion on sharing people’s private residential information on Facebook and Instagram.
With
@DexBarton
,
@JulieOwono
and
@nighatdad
.
3
22
67
We believe that our Members, working through a strong and independent oversight process, can ensure decisions are made in a principled and transparent way. 4/5
7
11
67
The Board was created to address exactly these kinds of issues. We provide a critical independent check on Facebook’s decisions which have huge implications for global human rights and free expression. This case is important for people in the US, and around the world. 3/5
2
16
66
Today we overturned Facebook's decision to remove a post featuring protesters in Colombia criticizing the country's president, Ivan Duque.
26
22
66
🔍 We want to hear from you on policy recommendations for one of our new cases! We'd appreciate public comments that address:
Meta’s moderation of content relating to anti-hijab protests in Iran, as well as other protests in
#Iran
and the wider region.
Submit your comment ↓
34
39
61
Last week we called on Facebook to treat users fairly and commit to maximum transparency on its ‘cross-check’ system, which the Wall Street Journal shone a light on.
Today Facebook said it will ask the Oversight Board to review cross-check and recommend how it can be improved.
26
16
60
Meta is in a unique position to assist in the preservation of evidence that may be of relevance in prosecuting international crimes.
The Board recommends that Meta create a protocol to preserve and share evidence of human rights abuses with relevant authorities.
1
24
59
Today, the Oversight Board began announcing its next cases and opened public comments, including for the case on former US President Trump's suspension from Facebook & Instagram.
50
43
57
The Oversight Board has published its decision on a post which was critical of the recent military coup in Myanmar and discussed ways to support legislators who opposed the coup👇
15
24
57
How the Board made its decision on the Trump suspension case 👇
111
26
56
In its current form, cross-check is flawed in key areas which the company must address:
• Delayed removal of violating content
• Unequal access to discretionary policies and enforcement
• Failure to track core metrics
• Lack of transparency around how cross-check works
1
13
55
The Oversight Board is reviewing Facebook’s response to the Board’s decision in the case involving former US President Donald Trump and will offer further comment once this review is complete.
15
38
57
The Board has overturned Facebook’s decision to remove a comment intended to criticize the Turkish government.
27
29
55
The case relates to a Facebook image depicting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with the caption "marg bar Khamenei."
Meta removed it under its Violence and Incitement rules that prohibit threats that could lead to death or high severity violence.
3
9
52
Today we are excited to announce the publication of our first annual report, covering the period from October 2020 through December 2021.
The report shows how far we've come in improving how Meta treats its users, and where we still have work to do.
Below some key highlights 🧵
38
24
55
Today, in response to a Board recommendation in the Al Jazeera case, Meta released the findings of an independent due diligence report on the impact of the company’s policies and processes in Israel and Palestine during the May 2021 conflict.
15
29
50
The Board has repeatedly said that new and arbitrary treatment of users and the application of different standards for some should not be allowed. Users deserve to be treated fairly and equally. Only by applying consistency and transparency can you build trust.
23
9
48
More than 150,000 cases have now been appealed to the Board. From tomorrow we’ll be announcing our next round of cases, and opening public comments on the case about former US President Donald Trump.
83
24
49
Facebook correctly followed its Community Standard on Bullying and Harassment, but these rules run contrary to international human rights standards and Facebook’s values. Facebook should amend this Community Standard to comply with its human rights responsibilities.
2
13
48
"Some of the regulations that we see in the Global South are copy-pasted from the Global North and didn’t consider the local context and realities of our region. What is proposed in the Global North can damage communities in our part of the world" says Board Member
@nighatdad
3
10
49
The Oversight Board has overturned Facebook’s original decision to remove a post about India’s Sikh community under its rules on dangerous individuals and organizations
10
21
45
Today the Board upheld Meta's decision to leave up with a warning screen a FB post that included a video depicting identifiable prisoners of war.
Meta should develop a protocol for preserving and sharing evidence of human rights violations with appropriate authorities.
5
25
49
How can technology enhance democratic values and practices such as inclusion, transparency and accountability to restore trust in democracy?
Listen to our Member
@JulieOwono
and find out more about how we are pushing Meta to be more transparent.
6
14
46
Today the Board overturned Meta’s decision to remove a UK drill music video clip from Instagram following a request from the Metropolitan Police.
This case raises concerns about Meta’s relationships with law enforcement, which have the potential to amplify bias.
Below a 🧵
13
22
46
Today Facebook responded to recommendations made by the Board in its first five case decisions last month. Facebook has accepted most of our recommendations, and agreed to assess how to implement nearly all of the rest.
12
24
46
By providing extra protection to certain users selected largely according to business interests, cross-check allows content which would otherwise be removed quickly to remain up for a longer period, potentially causing harm.
1
13
45
The Oversight Board has accepted its first policy advisory opinion request from Facebook on the sharing of private information about residences on Facebook and Instagram.
12
15
46
(2/2): The Board’s commitment to carefully reviewing all comments has extended the case timeline, in line with the Board’s bylaws. We will share more information soon.
38
16
44
In addition to shining a light on the details of the program, the Board issued 32 individual recommendations to Meta.
6
11
44
Join the conversation on
#disinformation
and
#hatespeech
with
@JulieOwono
at next week’s
@UNESCO
conference.
ℹ️Info:
➡️Register:
6
18
42
Social media companies face many challenges today, including protecting freedom of expression and human rights.
Our Co-Chair
@cboteromarino
shares why she joined the Oversight Board to address those challenges ↓
9
9
41
The Oversight Board is encouraged that Facebook is adopting many of the Board’s policy recommendations in the case involving former US President Donald Trump.
25
22
40
Today, in response to recommendations made by the Board, Meta announced it is reforming its penalty system to make it fairer and clearer.
This is an important step in increasing transparency and fairness for Meta’s users.
31
15
41
Meta has informed the Oversight Board that the company would be withdrawing an earlier request for policy guidance concerning content moderation issues related to Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine.
3
24
41
The Board has announced a new case. In a Facebook post, a state-level medical authority in Brazil claimed that COVID-19 lockdowns are ineffective, against people’s rights and condemned by the World Health Organization. The post remains on the platform.
6
12
41
If a post from a user on Meta’s cross-check lists is identified as violating the company’s rules, it remains on the platform pending further review.
While Meta told the Board that it can take 5+ days, on average, to reach a decision, the longest time it took them was 7+ months.
3
13
39
The Board is concerned that in operating cross-check, Meta focuses disproportionate attention on more lucrative markets instead of on contexts with greater risks to human rights.
7
12
39
Where Facebook limits users’ expression without good reason, we will call them out. Over time, we hope this will ground Facebook’s decisions in human rights and benefit users everywhere.
9
6
38
Tomorrow at 11am GMT/ 6am ET/ 3am PT, we will publish our policy advisory opinion on Meta's cross-check program.
This analyzes cross-check in light of Meta's human rights commitments and stated values, raising important questions about how Meta treats its most powerful users.
9
13
39
Facebook’s decision failed to consider wider context. Navalny’s supporter used “cowardly bot” in a heated discussion following political protests in a country where expression is routinely suppressed. The comment was unlikely to cause harm and its removal was disproportionate.
2
5
35
Among its recommendations, the Board proposed that when considering posts making a negative character claim, Facebook should assess the social and political context. If removing content would stifle political or public debate, Facebook should reconsider this course of action.
7
6
35
Yesterday we published our first of a series of quarterly transparency updates which highlight the Board’s progress in holding Facebook accountable for its content moderation decisions.
You can find more about our six key findings below 👇
4
14
38
The Oversight Board has now received more than 500,000 requests from users to examine Facebook’s content moderation decisions. We’re standing up for users by taking on the toughest cases.👇
19
10
37
The Board has upheld Facebook’s decision to remove a post about the ‘Zwarte Piet’ tradition under its Hate Speech Community Standard.
9
22
36
You can submit public comments on this case to the Board here:
The independent group that will decide whether Donald Trump can return to Facebook is officially taking public comment on the case
87
75
102
26
17
31
The Board has released a decision on a post by a state-level medical council in Brazil saying COVID-19 lockdowns are ineffective. FB's decision not to remove the post was correct, but the Board questioned FB's approach and made recommendations on health misinformation.👇
14
14
37
We will make decisions without regard to Facebook’s economic, political or reputational interests, in a fair, transparent and politically neutral manner.
22
10
35
Today Meta made an important announcement stemming from a case we reviewed about whether or not the company was correct in its decision in 2021 to restrict then-President Trump from their platforms.
Our response to Meta's announcement is below.
20
29
37
As part of its decision, the Board recommends that Meta commissions and publishes an independent human rights due diligence assessment on how Facebook and Instagram have been used to spread hate speech and unverified rumors that heighten the risk of violence in Ethiopia.
1
25
35
Join us today at 12:00 ET/ 9:00 PT for a special
@TwitterSpaces
session about our findings and recommendations on cross-check.
Our Board Members
@arusbridger
and
@Nighatdad
will discuss how Meta treats its most powerful users.
Set your 🔔 now!
5
15
35
The Board has repeatedly made recommendations that Facebook be far more transparent in general, including about its management of high-profile accounts, while ensuring that its policies treat all users fairly.
9
5
33
Defending freedom of expression is a fundamental challenge of our time.
Congratulations to journalists
@mariaressa
and Dmitry Muratov for winning the
#NobelPeacePrize
!
BREAKING NEWS:
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.
#NobelPrize
#NobelPeacePrize
1K
19K
42K
7
9
35
Pam Karlan has accepted a role in the US Department of Justice and stepped down from the Oversight Board. Her expertise played a crucial role in shaping the Board. We’re grateful for her contributions and congratulate her on her new role.
3
7
34
Listen to Oversight Board Co-Chair,
@HelleThorning_S
discuss the challenges of social media and the importance of diverse perspectives to solve them.
68
6
31
The Oversight Board is closely following the situation in Ukraine and how Meta is responding. We’re encouraged that the company has taken a number of concrete actions quickly to protect users.
10
13
34
The Oversight Board has taken note of Facebook's civil rights audit which underlines the need for a transparent, independent oversight process focused on protecting human rights and free expression.
10
5
33
Today we are publishing our transparency report for Q3 2021.
The report covers 6 decisions on topics ranging from political protests to COVID-19 lockdowns. We also issued 25 recommendations in Q3, of which Meta committed to implement the majority.
Below a🧵with our key findings
19
20
33
The Oversight Board has overturned Facebook’s original decision to remove a post encouraging discussion of the solitary confinement of Abdullah Öcalan, a founding member of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
7
15
32