Meta’s Oversight Board is currently seeking public input on the issue regarding the display of South Africa's 1928 flag on Facebook. The Board has selected cases that involve posts featuring the flag, used between 1928 and 1994, and is calling for community feedback on whether such content should be removed under Meta’s policies on Hate Speech and Dangerous Organizations.
According to Nolu Hlophoyi, spokesperson for Dear South Africa, Meta did not, despite over 100 complaints, take down two Facebook posts allegedly glorifying Apartheid in the lead-up to the South African elections, stating that the content did not violate Facebook's Community Standards. “Now, the Board is reconsidering those decisions, and the voices of the public are needed to guide this important process,” says Hlophoyi.
The 1928 flag is for some a symbol of deep racial division in South Africans, representing for some an era of oppression and inequality. For many, its display today promotes racial hatred and is a painful reminder of a brutal past.
Critics of a ban on the 1928 flag argue that restricting its display could suppress free expression and historical discourse. They contend that banning the flag may inadvertently erase a part of South Africa's complex history, which, despite its painful nature, serves as an educational tool for understanding past injustices. Some also express concern that such censorship could set a concerning precedent, where limiting certain symbols or expressions may lead to broader restrictions on freedom of speech.
The Oversight Board invites everyone to submit his or her comments by 22 October 2024. Comments can be made anonymously, empowering individuals to share their views freely. DearSA launched a campaign to give South Africans an opportunity to share their views on how sensitive content related to apartheid should be handled on digital platforms. Followers can say if they think the flag should be allowed as it is part of history or that it should be restricted to prevent purported racial harm.
DearSA encourages everyone to take part in the public comment process because this is your chance to shape policies that directly impact how Facebook manages content that resonates deeply with South Africa’s history and the global fight against racism. “The outcome of this process could influence how Meta handles similar content worldwide, setting a precedent for balancing free speech and the prevention of hate speech,” Hlophoyi added.
Public participation is crucial in these matters, as it ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in shaping policies that affect freedom of expression, historical accountability, and social cohesion. DearSA will be assist with the reporting of the statistics to Meta. To have your say and participate, click here.
Date: 14 Oct 2024
