This is a first since the creation of its Supervisory Board, the “Oversight Board” in 2020, Meta has canceled a request for an advisory opinion on its moderation policy. The request concerned the situation in Ukraine, the social network argued in a blog post published on May 11 that this decision was made in “ due to persistent safety and security issues “.
What is happening at Meta in dealing with the war in Ukraine?
Meta’s attitude in this matter is surprising. The company did not give any details on the security issues raised, any more than it had given on its initial request. An unusual step for a situation that is just as unusual.
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The Verge recalls that leaks had revealed the existence of this request for an opinion from the Oversight Board in March 2022. Without knowing its content, the request closely followed a controversy over the war in Ukraine.
Reuters revealed in March that Facebook and Instagram moderators had received instructions to temporarily relax the rules around calls for violence. Specifically, these were calls for violence against Russian soldiers and the country’s leaders. A news that had not pleased at all in Moscow.
The Oversight Board, created and financed by Meta, but made up of around twenty independent experts, human rights specialists, lawyers, former politicians… expressed its dissatisfaction in a press release.
The supervisory board says it is disappointed with the decision to withdraw the request, although it says it understands Facebook’s concerns. He was keen to add, “ The Board also notes that the withdrawal of this request does not diminish Meta’s responsibility to carefully consider the ongoing content moderation issues that have arisen from this war, which the Board continues to monitor. “.
In taking this action, the company cited specific ongoing safety and security concerns.
While the Board understands these concerns, we believe the request raises important issues and are disappointed by the company’s decision to withdraw it.
— Oversight Board (@OversightBoard) May 11, 2022
The authority of the Oversight Board is relative
The Oversight Board was invented in the image of the Supreme Court of the United States. He must settle moderation disputes between users and Meta. The social network can seize the advice itself. Since its creation, it has published several opinions, around thirty on thorny issues. He notably validated the suspension of Donald Trump’s account, but wanted it temporary (2 years).
The real influence of this supervisory board is regularly questioned. Meta is not obligated to follow its recommendations. The company must simply present publicly why it did or did not follow an advice. Meta’s unilateral volte-face, the secrecy surrounding it, and the Oversight Board’s apparent helplessness in the face of this decision are unlikely to improve its reputation.