Facebook Oversight Board Begins To Review First Six Cases

The Facebook Oversight Board announced that it has selected the first six cases it will review, including five user appeals and one case referred by Facebook.

The Oversight Board is a separate body that people can appeal to if they disagree with decisions we made about their content on Facebook or Instagram. The board began accepting cases last month, and it will continue to receive appeals while it considers these six cases. Facebook will also continue to refer cases that we see as significant and difficult. 

This model of independent oversight represents a new chapter in online governance, and Facebook is committed to implementing the board’s decisions. 

 The board also announced that its public comment system is live. It will allow anyone, from the general public to subject matter experts and civil society organizations, to submit research and perspectives relating to cases.

Case Updates From Facebook

Facebook will continue to publish a post for each case the board reviews. 

A case concerning comments made by a public figure about violence against French people.

A case concerning a photo of a deceased child and commentary on China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims.

A case concerning historical photos purportedly showing churches in Baku and a caption indicating disdain for Azerbaijani people and support for Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute.

A case concerning photos with nudity related to breast cancer symptoms.

A case concerning a post which contained an alleged quote from Joseph Goebbels, the Reich Minister of Propaganda in Nazi Germany.

A case concerning a post in a Group claiming hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin is a cure for COVID-19 and criticizing the French government’s response to COVID-19.

Once the board makes a decision, Facebook will update each post to include details about the decision and how they have implemented it for relevant content. In line with the bylaws, if the board issues a policy advisory statement, Facebook will update the post again with their response to that statement.

Those who are interested in checking on a case they submitted can log on to the Oversight Board website for updates at any point after the case is submitted.

As the board starts to hear more cases, Facebook will provide a comprehensive and fully searchable archive of case decisions and our actions in response. 

New Oversight Board Trustees

As part of the announcement, the board welcomed five additional trustees to the Oversight Board Trust. The trustees will join Chairperson Paul G. Haaga, Jr. to ensure that the board is fulfilling its stated purposes, to oversee and manage the financial operations of the Oversight Board and to appoint board members in accordance with the board’s charter and bylaws. Trustees will not be involved in hearing cases or in the board’s exercise of independent judgment on content issues.

Named today were: Kristina Arriaga, Cherine Chalaby, Wanda Felton, Kate O’Regan and Robert Post.