Meta refines controversial ‘cross-check’ for VIPs to tackle moderation inconsistencies
Meta Platforms has announced that it will implement most of the recommendations put forward by its independent oversight board regarding the policy of exempting high-profile users from some of its content-related rules. The social media giant, however, rejected some of the suggestions that aimed to increase transparency and reduce bias towards content generated by public figures.
The oversight board had called for an overhaul of Meta’s controversial “cross-check” system, which allows millions of Facebook and Instagram accounts belonging to celebrities, politicians, and other influential users to bypass some of the company’s content moderation policies. The board expressed concern that this system privileged the powerful and allowed business interests to influence content decisions.
In response, Meta has said that it will fine-tune its criteria for assessing who can be included on the exemption list, with a view to better account for human rights interests and equity, and to decrease the time it takes to review cases. However, Meta rejected a recommendation that suggested marking the pages and accounts of public figures receiving list-based protection.
The move comes amid increased scrutiny of social media companies and their content moderation practices, particularly in relation to high-profile users. By implementing the recommendations of its oversight board, Meta is seeking to address concerns over inconsistencies and bias in its content moderation policies, while continuing to provide a platform for public figures to express their views and engage with their audiences.
