NEWSLETTER
Gaza-Israel Conflict
Meta's ban on an Arabic word
USA TODAY
Under its current policy, Facebook parent company Meta removes the Arabic word “shaheed” in posts when it's used in reference to people it classifies as dangerous.
But an independent review board that oversees Meta's moderation practices say the company's treatment of the Arabic word ignores the fact it can have multiple, complex meanings, which aren't all violent. Assuming the word only means one thing has ultimately led to widespread censorship of millions of users from Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities.
As the war continues, pro-Palestinian Meta users say the platform's policy unfairly targets them.
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