“From the River to the Sea”: Meta’s Oversight Board Weighs in on Controversial Phrase Amid Antisemitic Concerns

Meta’s Oversight Board is currently deliberating whether the phrase “from the river to the sea” constitutes hate speech on Facebook and Instagram. While Meta previously deemed the term ambiguous and decided against policing it, recent events have led the company to reexamine its position. The board has noted that the phrase has been used to advocate for Palestinian rights but could also imply antisemitic intentions. This decision comes after three users reported the phrase for promoting terrorism, and Meta concluded that it did not breach any of its policies relating to violence, hate speech, or dangerous organizations. Although the board’s recommendations are non-binding, Meta is obligated to adhere to its rulings concerning individual content cases. The board has invited the public to contribute further examples of the phrase’s usage to aid in its assessment. This issue follows a similar move by the US House of Representatives, which condemned the phrase as antisemitic in a bipartisan vote last month. Nevertheless, some argue that the best way to combat hate speech is through increased dialogue rather than censorship, as bad actors will ultimately reveal their true intentions over time. As this matter progresses, OutKick will provide ongoing coverage.