Debate Over 'From the River to the Sea': Meta's Oversight Board Weighs In

Meta Platforms' Oversight Board announced that the Facebook parent should not automatically ban the phrase 'From the river to the sea,' given its varied interpretations. The Board emphasized the need for political debate during crises. The decision has received mixed reactions from different advocacy groups.

Meta Platforms' Oversight Board stated on Wednesday that the Facebook parent company should not automatically remove the phrase 'From the river to the sea,' which can be seen as either solidarity with Palestinians or an endorsement of violence against Jews. The board, despite being funded by the U.S. social media firm, operates independently.

The phrase signifies the area between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea, encompassing Israel and the Palestinian territories. While it is often heard at pro-Palestinian rallies, critics argue the phrase is antisemitic and calls for Israel's destruction. Conversely, some groups dispute this interpretation.

'Context is crucial,' said Oversight Board co-chair Pamela San Martin. 'Simply removing political speech is not a solution. There needs to be room for debate, especially during times of crisis and conflict.' The board reached its conclusion after reviewing three Facebook posts that used the phrase.

Meta welcomed the board's review, stating that its policies are created with safety in mind but acknowledged global challenges. Alex Abdo of the Knight First Amendment Institute praised the board's decision as thoughtful. However, the Anti-Defamation League criticized it as 'short-sighted,' causing Jewish and pro-Israel communities to feel unsafe.

The board also urged Meta to enhance data access for journalists and researchers, following Meta's recent discontinuation of CrowdTangle, a tool used to monitor misinformation and research content on Meta's platforms.

(With inputs from agencies.)