Joanna Williams’ research cited in Meta Oversight Board Decision
Authors Loren Dela Cruz
Date 23 January 2023
The Oversight Board has overturned Meta’s original decisions to remove two Instagram posts depicting transgender and non-binary people with bare chests. It also recommended that Meta change its Adult Nudity and Sexual Activity Community Standard so that it is governed by clear criteria that respects international human rights standards.
The Board cited research by Joanna Williams, PhD student from the Swinburne University node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making & Society (ADM+S), which found that nine out of twelve of the sexual health organisations that she interviewed reported being negatively affected by Meta’s moderation (Public Comment 10613).
“I am happy that the Oversight Board has recognised that sexual health information is being mistakenly taken down; however, it is crucial that sexual health organisations and sex educators are involved with revamping these Community Standards,” said Joanna whose research investigates understandings of automated content moderation of sexuality education by social media platforms and how this affects the ways that organisations produce content.
The Oversight Board is an independent body that makes decisions regarding content on Facebook and Instagram and issues recommendations on the relevant Facebook Company Content Policy.
