Meta Platforms’ (NASDAQ:META) content moderation policy is being evaluated by its independent review body called the Facebook Oversight Board. According to a report from the Financial Times, the review was prompted by an edited video of President Joe Biden, portraying him as a pedophile. Meta’s content moderators declined to take down the video on Facebook, asserting that it does not violate hate speech or bullying policies.
The Oversight Board stated that the video was “merely edited to remove certain portions” and thus did not come under the radar of its manipulated media policies. Usually, Artificial intelligence (AI)-altered content, including images and videos, is considered a “deepfake.” The video in question was not altered or made using AI, and hence it was not a deepfake. An FB user had first reported the video to Meta, who decided to retain it. Later, the user appealed to the Oversight Board to reconsider the decision, which was again ruled out as unwarranted, leaving the video online.
The original video from the U.S. 2022 midterm elections shows Biden affixing an “I Voted” sticker to his granddaughter’s chest. In contrast, the modified version shows only a repeat loop of the part where the President places his hand on her chest. The edited version has a caption calling Biden “a sick pedophile” and his supporters “mentally unwell.”
The Role of Content Moderation on Social Media
Meta’s Oversight Board has decided to review its manipulated media standards and give out fresher guidelines that can be followed in future courses. The Board also hopes that the new standards will be able to “withstand current and future challenges.” Meta’s Board was set up in 2020 and includes 20 journalists, academics, and politicians.
The timing of the policy review is important as the Presidential election year draws near. Moderators argue that any deep-fake content must not hamper or influence elections anywhere in the world. Altering content to make a misleading impression of a public figure also comes under the purview of the policy. Meta has faced such crucial questions earlier, in which the social media platform deleted harmful content from its site.
After the review is complete, the Board will issue non-binding policy recommendations to Meta. The review committee has also invited suggestions from the users and the public, which could help them set appropriate standards. Meta has confirmed that “We will implement the board’s decision once it has finished deliberating, and will update this post accordingly.”
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