Meta Prohibited From Removing Content With The Phrase 'from The River To The Sea'

Meta must consider the phrase pro-Palestinian (photo: dock. unsplash)

JAKARTA The Meta Supervisory Board has reviewed the issue of removing content involving the phrase solidarity or support for Palestinian supporters. According to the board, Meta should not remove the content.

This statement was made after the Supervisory Board observed three pro-Palestinian content on Facebook using the phrase from the River to the Sea. This phrase refers to the freedom of Palestine as a country on land spread from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea.

This phrase does not call for violence, exclusion, and does not glorify or even refer to Hamas. Content with this phrase tends to be reported and Meta will close its content automatically. According to the board, Meta should conduct a manual review.

"The council found that they did not violate Meta rules on Hate, Violence and incitement or Hazardous Organizations and Individuals," the Meta Supervisory Board said in a statement.

To address content closures that do not violate Meta's policies, the board urges the company to ensure its newest Content Bibliography. Replacement of CrowdTangle, data functionality provider, this must be in accordance with the company's needs.

The board also directed Meta to provide access to Meta Content bibliography quickly. Researchers, civil society organizations, and qualified journalists must join this transparency center within three weeks of submission.

Meta, which received direction and input from the Supervisory Board, said it welcomed the results of the review from the board. Quoting from Reuters, Meta said it would follow the input provided by experts.

"Although all our policies are developed taking safety into account, we know the policy is accompanied by global challenges and we regularly seek input from experts outside of Meta, including the Supervisory Board," Meta said.