Meta Lifts Ban on the Word ‘Shaheed’
Meta has lifted its ban on the word “shaheed” (martyr) on its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. This change follows recommendations from Meta’s Oversight Board, which noted that the broad ban was limiting important discussions about conflicts in places like Gaza and Sudan.
Meta admitted that the previous ban was too restrictive and affected many users, especially in Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities, where the term has significant cultural and religious meaning.
The Oversight Board’s review found that “shaheed” has various meanings and doesn’t always glorify violence. Paolo Carozza from the Oversight Board emphasized the need for a balanced approach to content moderation.
The updated policy will adjust how content with the term “shaheed” is handled. Users and advocacy groups have welcomed this move as a step towards better freedom of expression and more respectful dialogue on global issues.
Lina Khan, a digital rights advocate, praised the decision, saying it reflects responsiveness to user concerns and acknowledges the diversity of Meta’s global audience.
