Meta Platforms Oversight Board Decision

(Reuters) – Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META)’ Oversight Board stated on Wednesday that Facebook should not automatically remove the phrase seen by some as showing support for Palestinians and by others as endorsing violence against Jews.

The board, which operates independently but is funded by the U.S. social media firm, said the phrase “From the river to the sea” has multiple meanings, and its use cannot be categorized as harmful, violent, or discriminatory merely based on its wording.

This phrase refers to the area between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea, which includes Israel and the Palestinian territories. It is often recited during pro-Palestinian protests.

Critics argue that the phrase is antisemitic and calls for the elimination of Israel, while other groups challenge this interpretation.

“Context is crucial,” said Oversight Board co-chair Pamela San Martin. “Simply removing political speech is not a solution. There must be room for debate, especially during times of crisis and conflict.”

The Oversight Board reached this conclusion after reviewing three cases where the phrase was used in posts on Facebook by different users.

“We welcome the board’s review of our guidance on this matter,” stated Meta. “While all of our policies are developed with safety in mind, we recognize the global challenges and continually seek input from external experts, including the Oversight Board.”

Alex Abdo, litigation director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, which advocates for free speech, deemed the board’s decision, “thoughtful (and in my opinion, correct).”

The Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish advocacy organization, criticized the ruling as “short-sighted.”

“Usage of this phrase has the effect of making members of the Jewish and pro-Israel community feel unsafe and ostracized,” it stated.

Furthermore, the board urged Meta to enhance data access for journalists and researchers, less than a month after Meta discontinued CrowdTangle, a commonly used tool for tracking misinformation and researching content on Meta’s platforms, including Instagram.