Tech giant Meta, owner of social media giants Facebook and Instagram, has announced the end of its blanket ban on the word “shaheed” (martyr) after facing criticism for unfairly censoring millions of users worldwide.
The decision follows a recommendation from Meta’s Oversight Board, which conducted a thorough review of the company’s policies. The board highlighted that the ban often led to the removal of content discussing violence in conflict zones such as Gaza and Sudan, impacting users, particularly from Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities.
Previously, Meta’s policy categorized “shaheed” under its Dangerous Organizations and Individuals policy, leading to automatic removals without exceptions for reporting, neutral discussion, or condemnation.
Acknowledging the complexity of the term, Meta has now recognized that “shaheed” can have various interpretations, many of which do not endorse violence. The policy change aims to enable more nuanced moderation that respects freedom of expression while still addressing harmful content effectively.
Oversight Board member Paolo Carozza expressed support for the decision, emphasizing its importance in balancing free speech with content moderation: “This change may present challenges, but it signifies a crucial step towards protecting freedom of expression and ensuring responsible content management.”
Meta anticipates that the revised policy will swiftly impact content moderation practices, ushering in a more balanced approach to handling sensitive terms on its platforms.
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