Meta's Oversight Board, a group of human rights and free speech experts, has released its annual report detailing its work and interactions with Meta over the past year.
The report indicates that the board's recommendations have played a significant role in making Meta's rules more transparent, although there are areas where improvement is still needed.
Meta Rolls Out Needed Systemic Changes
A recent Engadget report tells us that one noteworthy highlight from the report is the acknowledgment of Meta's efforts to implement systemic changes to its rules and enforcement.
In 2022, Meta made notable alterations in areas such as user notifications and rules concerning dangerous organizations. These changes reflect a positive response to the Oversight Board's suggestions.
However, the report also sheds light on areas where the board believes Meta can do better. One concern raised is that Meta reversed its initial moderation decisions in nearly two-thirds of the cases brought to the board's attention.
This raises doubts about the accuracy of Meta's content moderation process and the effectiveness of its appeals system.
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More Work Needed from Meta
Another longstanding issue mentioned in the report is Meta's delay in aligning its policies between Instagram and Facebook.
The Oversight Board initially recommended this alignment more than two years ago, but Meta has repeatedly postponed the deadline for implementation.
Additionally, the board criticizes Meta's refusal to translate its internal content moderation guidelines into the native languages of its moderators.
While Meta argues that its moderators are proficient in English, the board warns that relying solely on English guidance may lead to errors in enforcement due to the potential loss of context and nuance across languages and dialects.
What Meta Accomplished So Far
In response to the Oversight Board's recommendations, Meta has taken several actions to address the identified concerns.
The company has introduced a Crisis Policy Protocol to enhance consistency in crisis responses. It has announced plans to establish a dedicated crisis coordination team for round-the-clock oversight during imminent and emerging crises.
Meta has also reviewed and consolidated its policies on Dangerous Individuals and Organizations and Misinformation, aiming to make the rules clearer and more accessible.
Furthermore, Meta has changed its penalty system and user strikes to improve fairness and transparency.
Safeguarding Expression
The report also emphasizes the board's role in safeguarding important expression on Meta's platforms.
Notably, the board's recommendations have increased protections for journalists, human rights defenders, and users involved in breast cancer awareness campaigns.
Meta has committed to extending safeguards to those at risk of having their content wrongfully removed, particularly in the context of the cross-check program.
Additionally, the board's interventions have helped protect political speech during transformative events, such as protests in Iran.
Meta has revised its policies to allow certain political slogans related to the protests that were previously subjected to enforcement actions.
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