- Meta has lifted its ban on the term “shaheed” (martyr) on Facebook and Instagram.
- The decision follows feedback from Meta’s Oversight Board, which argued the ban was too broad and limited important discussions.
- The updated policy aims to balance freedom of expression with effective content moderation.
Global tech leader Meta has reversed its sweeping ban on the term “shaheed” (martyr) across its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. This shift follows guidance from Meta’s Oversight Board, which pointed out that the previous restriction was too broad and was hindering discussions about violence in conflict zones like Gaza and Sudan.
Previously, Meta’s strict policies under the Dangerous Organizations and Individuals (DOI) guidelines had led to excessive censorship of the term “shaheed,” impacting millions of users, particularly in Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities. The Oversight Board’s review revealed that the term “shaheed” has various meanings, many of which do not promote violence or endorse harmful content.
Paolo Carozza, a member of Meta’s Oversight Board, highlighted the need for a more nuanced approach to content moderation. He stated, “This change may pose challenges, but it represents a crucial step towards safeguarding freedom of expression while continuing to combat harmful content effectively.”
The revised policy is set to adjust how content involving the term “shaheed” is managed on Meta’s platforms. This decision has been met with approval from users and advocacy groups, who see it as a positive move for fostering inclusive dialogue and respectful discussions on global issues.
