Why Facebook, Instagram Have A 'Problem' With 'Shaheed,' The Most Censored Term On Meta

Facebook and Instagram¡¯s parent company Meta is under criticism from its own Oversight Board regarding the word 'Shaheed.' The term, commonly translated as martyr, has been flagged and removed more than any other term on Meta¡¯s platforms. But the Board is arguing that the term carries "multiple meanings" and removing it from the site stifles "legitimate discourse."

'Shaheed' defined in Meta policy as explicit praise

As per policy, Meta treats the word ¡°shaheed¡± as explicit praise when used in reference to a designated individual, and it is accordingly removed.

This is because Meta designates and bans from its platforms ¡°organisations or individuals that proclaim a violent mission or are engaged in violence¡±, like terrorists or hate groups.

And, they also prohibit content that includes ¡°praise, substantive support, or representation¡± for these designated organisations and individuals.

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Shaheed has multiple meanings & there should not be blanket ban, says Board

However, 'Shaheed' is used in different ways by many communities around the world and across cultures, religions, and languages.

The Oversight Board suggests that 'shaheed' is commonly used neutrally in various contexts such as reporting, academics, and human rights discussions. Therefore, the complete ban on this term hampers genuine conversation.

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The Oversight Board advises Meta to stop automatically removing content with the word 'shaheed' and instead concentrate on detecting clear signs of violence or other policy violations. Moreover, the board urges Meta to enhance transparency regarding its automated content moderation systems.

A Meta spokesperson said, ¡°Global challenges exist in scaling moderation efforts. We sought the board¡¯s guidance on ¡®shaheed¡¯ and will respond to their feedback within 60 days.¡±

The Oversight Board was created by Meta to help them resolve some of the most difficult questions around freedom of expression online: what to take down, what to leave up and why. The board is an external body that people can appeal to if they disagree with Meta¡¯s content enforcement decisions on Facebook, Instagram, or Threads.

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