The supervisory board of Meta - the company that operates Facebook and Instagram - published an opinion today (Tuesday) recommending that the company change its policy regarding the use of the word "martyr" and allow its use - which is currently prohibited in the context of terrorist acts.
According to a report in 'Kan News', Meta is expected to review the council's recommendation and publish its decision within 60 days.
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The council - a body that recommends policy changes to Meta - wrote in the opinion: "Meta's approach to managing content in which the use of the term 'martyr' refers to people defined as dangerous, substantially and disproportionately restricts freedom of expression. Meta interprets all uses of the word 'martyr' as referring to people it has defined as 'dangerous' as violators and removes the content. The word 'martyr' is sometimes used in extreme cases to praise or glorify people who died while carrying out violent terrorist acts.".
""However, Meta's response to this threat must also be guided by respect for all human rights, including freedom of expression.".
Mamta responded: "We want people to be able to use our platforms to share their views, and we have policies in place to help them do so safely. We strive to implement our policies fairly, but when doing so at scale, there are global challenges. That's why in February 2023 we sought guidance from the Oversight Board on how we treat the word 'martyr' in the context of banned individuals or organizations. We will consider the Oversight Board's feedback.".
