Meta’s oversight board has overturned the company’s decision to censor a Facebook meme that mocked Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, according to a recent announcement. The board criticized Meta for what it described as “overenforcement” of its anti-harassment and bullying policies. The meme, which was posted in August, depicted Harris and Walz with their faces superimposed over a poster for the movie “Dumb and Dumber,” appearing to pinching each other’s nipples through their clothing, accompanied by derogatory emojis but no written commentary.
Initially, Meta removed the post, citing its rules against “derogatory sexualized photoshop or drawings.” However, the oversight board indicated that after it began reviewing the case, Meta reinstated the post, clarifying their stance that the depicted action did not constitute “sexual activity.”
In their ruling, the board emphasized the issue of overenforcing the Bullying and Harassment policy, particularly regarding satire and political speech, warning that such actions might excessively censor political expression during an election period, potentially undermining the public’s ability to critique government officials and political candidates.
Michael McConnell, co-chair of the oversight board, mentioned to Fox News Digital that a significant number of the board’s rulings support maintaining or restoring controversial posts, highlighting the board’s commitment to safeguarding users’ free speech on social media platforms. McConnell stated that maintaining venues for political debate, especially during elections and social movements, is a core principle for the board, and it will continue to ensure Meta’s policies and enforcement practices are equitable.
This ruling follows a separate decision by Meta’s board more than a month ago concerning the phrase “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” deemed not to be hate speech in certain contexts. The board argued that the expression could signify “solidarity with Palestinians” rather than inciting violence or exclusion. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), however, contends that the phrase implies a call for the elimination of the state of Israel.
Meta’s oversight board’s full ruling on the issue is available in a downloadable PDF, offering thorough insights into its deliberation and conclusions.
