Meta ends ban on Arabic word for martyr

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has ended its ban on “shaheed”, an Arabic word commonly translated to “martyr”.

The ban previously removed all content in which “shaheed” was considered as referring to entities named in the Dangerous Organisations and Individuals policy, with no exceptions for reporting on, neutrally discussing or condemning the term.

This led to millions of posts being taken down, often disproportionately targeting Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities, according to a statement from the Oversight Board which recommended the policy change.

The statement said: “[Shaheed] has multiple meanings, many of which are not intended to glorify or convey approval of violence.”

The board also considered concerns that the blanket ban contributed to the censorship of discussions of conflict situations such as in Gaza and Sudan. It welcomed Facebook’s decision to adopt a “more balanced” approach to the term.