Facebook is turning to its own ‘supreme court’ to decide whether to end restrictions on Covid misinformation. They do this more than two years after the company first began taking special measures against reports containing untruths about the disease.
The social network is considering changing the way it handles such misinformation by, for example, labeling it false or demoting it in its algorithmic ranking, rather than simply removing it from the site. According to the head of global affairs, Nick Clegg, it wants to make the change now. “Now many, but not all, countries around the world are trying to return to a more normal life.”
But to avoid making the wrong choice in “resolving the inherent tensions between free speech and security,” Facebook will turn to its oversight board to decide what its future moderation policy should be.
“We are seeking an opinion from the Supervisory Board on whether Meta’s current measures to address Covid-19 misinformation are still appropriate,” Clegg said. labeling or demotivating the information.”
Unpopular decision
By requesting an advisory, Facebook is not committing itself to carrying out the council’s judgment. That leaves some wondering if the site isn’t just covering up for making a decision that’s likely to be unpopular with much of society, no matter what Facebook chooses.
“Meta remains committed to fighting misinformation about Covid-19 and providing people with reliable information,” Clegg said in a statement. “As the pandemic has progressed, the time is right for us to seek input from the Supervisory Board on our measures to address Covid-19 misinformation.”
How independent is the council?
The oversight board is funded by Facebook and the first four members, all of whom hold the title of co-chair, have been selected by the social network. The chairmen and Facebook have elected a first council of twenty members. The intention is for the board of trustees to grow to a board of 40 members over time, after which Facebook says it will no longer be involved in the selection of members. However, after more than two years, the board still consists of only 23 people.
Despite the close ties, the council has already had some clashes with Facebook. In 2021, the council sued the social network for forcing them to make a decision and bear the political consequences. That was then about the question of whether Donald Trump would be permanently banned from the site.
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