Meta’s moderation board has given the green light to Facebook posts containing the phrase “From the River to the Sea,” a decision highlighting the ongoing debate over free speech and political expression on social media platforms.
The Oversight Board reviewed three specific instances where the phrase was used and concluded that the phrase did not violate Meta’s rules on hate speech and incitement. An outright ban, they argued, would impede political expression in ways deemed unacceptable. The board, with a strong consensus of 21 members, determined that the phrase shows solidarity with Palestinians and does not incite violence or advocate exclusion.
They emphasized that the phrase has multiple interpretations and is employed in various contexts and with different intentions. While critics argue that it calls for Israel’s elimination, supporters, such as Palestinian-American writer Yousef Munayyer, contend that it advocates for Palestinians living freely and equally in their homeland. The board clarified that the phrase, when used alone, cannot be seen as a call to violence or exclusion based on protected characteristics, nor as an endorsement of designated entities like Hamas.
Interestingly, a minority within the board pointed out that the phrase appears in Hamas’ 2017 charter and, following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, its usage might be perceived as glorifying a banned group. However, the majority opinion held that the phrase itself is not inherently violent or hateful, noting that its use by Hamas does not change this.
Reinforcing their stance, the board warned that a blanket ban on the phrase would hinder protected political speech. They mentioned several cases to underline their point: one involved a comment using the phrase hashtag that garnered 3,000 views, another featured the phrase “Palestine will be free” in a widely viewed image of floating watermelon slices, and a third included the phrase in a post condemning “Zionist Israeli occupiers” by a Canadian community organization.
A Meta spokesperson acknowledged the board’s review, stating that while their policies prioritize safety, they also pose global challenges. The company often seeks expert input, including from the Oversight Board, to navigate these complexities.
Meta’s decision to permit the phrase “From the River to the Sea” in posts underscores the intricate balance between safeguarding free speech and regulating content on its platforms. While interpretations of the phrase vary widely, the ruling emphasizes the importance of context and intent in moderating political speech.
Source: Theguardian