Meta Platforms’ independent Oversight Board recently addressed the removal of two significant videos related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. On Tuesday, the board stated that Meta mistakenly eliminated these videos, which were crucial for depicting the human toll of the war.
In the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel, social media networks, including Meta’s platforms, have faced intense scrutiny. This scrutiny centers around their handling of content moderation, amid a rise in misinformation and claims of biased representation of the conflict.
These particular videos mark a first for the Oversight Board, a separate entity overseeing content decisions for Meta’s Facebook and Instagram. The board opted for an accelerated review process in these cases, a method they adopted earlier this year to address pressing issues more swiftly.
One video, shared on Instagram, captured the aftermath of an airstrike near Gaza’s Al Shifa hospital, showing scenes that included potentially injured or deceased children.
The second video depicted a scene from the Oct. 7 attack, where an Israeli woman, captured by kidnappers, pleads for her life.
Meta initially removed these videos, but following the Oversight Board’s selection of these cases for review, the company reinstated them. The restored videos now include a warning screen for viewers, as noted by the board.
While the Oversight Board agreed with the reinstatement, it expressed dissent over Meta’s choice to limit the videos’ recommendation to users. The board advised Meta to adapt more rapidly to evolving situations on the ground, balancing the need for expression and safety.
Responding to the board’s findings, a Meta spokesperson acknowledged the decisions. Since the board did not offer policy recommendations, Meta does not plan any further actions regarding these cases.”
