Facebook Owner Meta Withdraws Ukraine War Content Policy Guidance Request

Facebook guardian Meta Platforms stated on Wednesday it has withdrawn a request for coverage steerage from its Oversight Board concerning the content material moderation of posts associated to Russia’s ongoing battle with Ukraine.

“This decision was not made lightly — the PAO (policy advisory opinion) was withdrawn due to ongoing safety and security concerns,” the corporate stated in a blog post.

The board, which may make binding choices on particular thorny content material moderation appeals and provides coverage suggestions, stated it was “disappointed” by the choice.

A Meta spokesman declined to provide extra details about the insurance policies on which it was looking for steerage or concerning the particular considerations.

Russia banned social media platforms Facebook and Instagram in March, discovering Meta responsible of “extremist activity” amid Moscow’s crackdown on social media throughout its invasion of Ukraine. Meta’s messaging service WhatsApp shouldn’t be affected by the ban. Russia has additionally throttled Twitter by slowing its service.

Meta’s Oversight Board, which incorporates lecturers, rights consultants and legal professionals, was created by the corporate as an unbiased physique to rule on a small portion of content material moderation circumstances, however it may well additionally advise on website insurance policies.

“While the Board understands these concerns, we believe the request raises important issues and are disappointed by the company’s decision to withdraw it,” the Oversight Board stated in tweets on Wednesday.

“The importance for the company to defend freedom of expression and human rights has only increased.”

© Thomson Reuters 2022