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Meta's Oversight Board Rules 'From the River to the Sea' Not Hate Speech, Cites Solidarity with Palestinians

Sep 4, 2024, 05:42 PM

Meta's Oversight Board has ruled that the phrase 'from the river to the sea' is not necessarily hate speech and should not be automatically removed from its platforms. The decision, announced on Wednesday, addresses the phrase often used by pro-Palestinian protestors, stating it has multiple meanings and is not inherently hateful or violent. The board reviewed three cases involving the phrase and found no violations of Meta's rules on hate speech, violence, incitement, or dangerous organizations. The board noted that the phrase contained 'contextual signs of solidarity with Palestinians' and 'no language calling for violence.' This ruling has sparked significant criticism, particularly from groups such as the Combat Antisemitism Movement, which views the decision as a dangerous precedent.