Meta Oversight Board Defends Political Expression Amid Venezuelan Crisis

Board rules that 'aspirational' statements against state-backed groups do not violate Meta's policies, urging the company to ensure political content is not suppressed.

• Meta's Oversight Board reviewed two controversial posts related to Venezuelan paramilitary groups, known as 'colectivos'.
• The Board determined that statements expressing a hope for violence against these groups are not direct calls to action and should remain on the platform.
• Meta's current policy to reduce political content visibility could hinder expressions of dissent during crises, according to the Board.
• The decision highlights the importance of allowing free expression in contexts of state repression and violence.
• Meta has been urged to adapt its policies to ensure political content during crises receives equal reach as non-political content.

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