Meta's Independent Oversight Board Rules 'River To The Sea' Not Inherently Hate Speech
In a move that has sparked controversy, Meta's independent Oversight Board for Instagram and Facebook has ruled that the phrase "from the river to the sea" is not inherently hate speech in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. This implies that it should not be automatically deleted.
The board explained that the phrase has multiple meanings and is used by different people in various ways and with different intentions. A minority argued that since the slogan appears in the 2017 Hamas charter, Meta should automatically consider it as the "glorification of a designated entity...unless there are clear signs to the contrary."
The board's decision was based on a 32-page ruling. The review focused on three cases that arose in November 2023, following the violent Hamas invasion of southern Gaza that resulted in the deaths of at least 1,189 people.
Interpretations of the Slogan
The full slogan is "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free." It refers to the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea and has been used by various people advocating for a change in the political order in the land currently controlled by the State of Israel. This includes not only Israel but also the West Bank and Gaza.
Supporters of the State of Israel interpret the phrase as a call for violence, ethnic cleansing, and/or genocide. However, some people, including prominent Jews like long-time Israel proponent-turned-critic Peter Beinert, see it as a call for a peaceful, one-state solution with equal rights for all 7.5 million Jews and 7.5 million Palestinians who live between the river and the sea.
The Anti-Defamation League's Response
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) rejected the Meta oversight board's assertion that the slogan can be used innocently. The ADL condemned the ruling, stating that the phrase is an antisemitic charge denying the Jewish people's right to self-determination and makes members of the Jewish and pro-Israel community feel unsafe and ostracized.
However, the 22-member Oversight board ruled that the slogan should not be construed as inherently malevolent. They stated that the posts did not attack Jewish or Israeli people with calls for violence or exclusion, nor did they attack a concept or institution associated with a protected characteristic that could lead to imminent violence. Instead, the content showed signs of solidarity with Palestinians.
The Posts in Question
One of the posts under scrutiny showed an image of floating watermelon slices forming the words from the phrase, alongside "Palestine will be free". Meta concluded that the usage couldn't be construed as a call for violence or an explicit endorsement of Hamas. The oversight board validated that conclusion.
Another post with the phrase condemned the "senseless slaughter" of Palestinians by "Zionist Israeli occupiers." The third encouraged people to "speak up," using hashtags #ceasefire, #freepalestine and #DefundIsrael, along with heart emojis in Palestinian-flag colors. The board's ruling allows all three posts to remain on the platform and permits other Facebook and Instagram users to use the slogan, provided there's no context that otherwise violates Meta policy.
Elon Musk's Stance and Legal Consequences
In November, Elon Musk, who bought Twitter with the aim of promoting open discourse, declared the slogan inherently genocidal and said those who use it would face suspension. However, the phrase can still be widely found on the platform.
The Meta oversight board's ruling may prevent posts from being deleted and users from being suspended, but it can't guarantee that people in some parts of the world won't face government prosecution for simply saying the phrase. In Germany, for instance, uttering or writing "from the river to the sea" can result in up to three years in prison.
Bottom Line
This ruling by Meta's Oversight Board has stirred up a lot of controversy and discussion. It highlights the complexities of moderating content on social media platforms, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like the Israel-Palestine conflict. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you agree with the board's decision? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss it further. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is every day at 6 pm.
Meta's Independent Oversight Board Rules 'River To The Sea' Not Inherently Hate Speech
In a move that has sparked controversy, Meta's independent Oversight Board for Instagram and Facebook has ruled that the phrase "from the river to the sea" is not inherently hate speech in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. This implies that it should not be automatically deleted.
The board explained that the phrase has multiple meanings and is used by different people in various ways and with different intentions. A minority argued that since the slogan appears in the 2017 Hamas charter, Meta should automatically consider it as the "glorification of a designated entity...unless there are clear signs to the contrary."
The board's decision was based on a 32-page ruling. The review focused on three cases that arose in November 2023, following the violent Hamas invasion of southern Gaza that resulted in the deaths of at least 1,189 people.
Interpretations of the Slogan
The full slogan is "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free." It refers to the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea and has been used by various people advocating for a change in the political order in the land currently controlled by the State of Israel. This includes not only Israel but also the West Bank and Gaza.
Supporters of the State of Israel interpret the phrase as a call for violence, ethnic cleansing, and/or genocide. However, some people, including prominent Jews like long-time Israel proponent-turned-critic Peter Beinert, see it as a call for a peaceful, one-state solution with equal rights for all 7.5 million Jews and 7.5 million Palestinians who live between the river and the sea.
The Anti-Defamation League's Response
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) rejected the Meta oversight board's assertion that the slogan can be used innocently. The ADL condemned the ruling, stating that the phrase is an antisemitic charge denying the Jewish people's right to self-determination and makes members of the Jewish and pro-Israel community feel unsafe and ostracized.
However, the 22-member Oversight board ruled that the slogan should not be construed as inherently malevolent. They stated that the posts did not attack Jewish or Israeli people with calls for violence or exclusion, nor did they attack a concept or institution associated with a protected characteristic that could lead to imminent violence. Instead, the content showed signs of solidarity with Palestinians.
The Posts in Question
One of the posts under scrutiny showed an image of floating watermelon slices forming the words from the phrase, alongside "Palestine will be free". Meta concluded that the usage couldn't be construed as a call for violence or an explicit endorsement of Hamas. The oversight board validated that conclusion.
Another post with the phrase condemned the "senseless slaughter" of Palestinians by "Zionist Israeli occupiers." The third encouraged people to "speak up," using hashtags #ceasefire, #freepalestine and #DefundIsrael, along with heart emojis in Palestinian-flag colors. The board's ruling allows all three posts to remain on the platform and permits other Facebook and Instagram users to use the slogan, provided there's no context that otherwise violates Meta policy.
Elon Musk's Stance and Legal Consequences
In November, Elon Musk, who bought Twitter with the aim of promoting open discourse, declared the slogan inherently genocidal and said those who use it would face suspension. However, the phrase can still be widely found on the platform.
The Meta oversight board's ruling may prevent posts from being deleted and users from being suspended, but it can't guarantee that people in some parts of the world won't face government prosecution for simply saying the phrase. In Germany, for instance, uttering or writing "from the river to the sea" can result in up to three years in prison.
Bottom Line
This ruling by Meta's Oversight Board has stirred up a lot of controversy and discussion. It highlights the complexities of moderating content on social media platforms, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like the Israel-Palestine conflict. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you agree with the board's decision? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss it further. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is every day at 6 pm.
