9 months ago
Meta's content court rules 'from the river to the sea' isn't hate speech
Meta's Oversight Board Rules on Controversial Phrase
Meta's Oversight Board has determined that the phrase 'from the river to the sea' does not automatically violate the platform's hate speech policies. This decision highlights the ongoing challenge social media companies face in moderating content related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
While [the phrase] can be understood by some as encouraging and legitimizing antisemitism and the violent elimination of Israel and its people, it is also often used as a political call for solidarity, equal rights and self-determination of the Palestinian people, and to end the war in Gaza.
The board reviewed three specific cases where the phrase appeared, concluding that these instances did not specifically attack Jewish or Israeli people with calls for violence or exclusion. However, a minority of the board disagreed, arguing that Meta should assume the phrase glorifies Hamas and remove it by default.
- Meta's Oversight Board decides 'from the river to the sea' phrase doesn't violate hate speech rules.
- The phrase is seen as both a call for Palestinian solidarity and a controversial slogan.
- Decision highlights challenge of balancing free expression and combating hate speech online.
- Board reviewed three cases where the phrase appeared, ruling it doesn't attack Jewish or Israeli people.
- Meta faces ongoing scrutiny over its handling of Israel-Gaza war content.
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