Meta is in its regulatory role

HRW (Human Rights Watch) has accused Meta of restricting pro-Palestinian content on Facebook and Instagram, alleging "systemic online censorship" since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The organization claims that Meta's content moderation policies have increasingly silenced pro-Palestinian voices on these platforms.

This censorship is viewed as particularly concerning during a period of severe atrocities and repression that are already stifling Palestinian voices, according to Deborah Brown, HRW's Acting Deputy Director of the Technology and Human Rights Division.

HRW's report, titled "Meta's Broken Promises: Systematic Censorship of Pro-Palestinian Content on Instagram and Facebook," outlines various forms of content removal, account suspensions, and limitations on interactions with pro-Palestinian content.

The report raises concerns about Meta's policies and their inconsistent and erroneous implementation. HRW calls on Meta to align its content moderation policies and practices with international human rights standards.

Many messages on Facebook and Instagram promote violence, are openly anti-Semitic, and spread false information.